Kilkenny hold off All-Ireland champions Clare in frenetic finale

Banner had a chance to clinch the victory at the death but Kilkenny deserved the opening two points

UNDER CONTROL: Kilkenny defender Mikey Carey is tackled by Seán Rynne of Clare during Sunday's Allianz Hurling League Division 1A game at Cusack Park in Ennis. Pic: John Sheridan/Sportsfile

Allianz HL Division 1A: Kilkenny 0-23 Clare 0-21 

On a drab, wet, dark and miserable afternoon in Ennis, it was understandable that it took until late on in this Allianz Hl Division 1A opener for the crowd to warm up and find their voice. The game had been highly competitive once Kilkenny found a rhythm in the 20th minute before the visitors held their nerve and held off the All-Ireland champions in a frenetic and hectic closing minutes.