Clare v Waterford player ratings: Hat-trick hero Stephen Bennett stars
THREE OF THE BEST: Waterford's Stephen Bennett scores a goal against Clare's Eibhear Quilligan, Niall O'Farrell and Adam Hogan. Pic: ©INPHO/Natasha Barton.
Despite leaking four goals he couldn’t really be blamed for any of them, even stopping Bennett’s first before being returned with interest. Puck-outs sharp directly accounting for 1-8.
Had a really eventful hour on Dessie Hutchinson, with both having their moments but sealed his fate with strong shoulder into Jack Prendergast chest bursting out of defence.
Had as tough as test as he’s ever had in his previous 45 championship appearances on newcomer Sean Walsh who won early penalty and was a real aerial handful.
In the wars a few times, even coming off as a blood sub but produced a truly inspirational block on a Sean Walsh goal-bound shot at the start of the new half that was worth admission fee alone.
Rock solid in both defence and attack, scoring a point in each half but was kept on his toes by a number of different markers.
His exploits as a forward got him on the panel but made his senior championship debut at centre-back, something he took in his undoubted stride.
Marked his 50th championship appearance with a gritty performance in a new role at wing-back. Had to keep a fresh Austin Gleeson at bay in an important late match-up.
Quietish first half but excelled in second period, starting with having a major hand in Duggan’s goal before scoring two points of his own.
Like Lohan, Taylor was stifled in the opening half but opened the second half scoring and was much more involved as the tie fragmented.
Missed the league final but repeatedly showed why he is captain with a four point haul including a reply to both Bennett first quarter goals. Too elusive for Waterford to track.
Another Banner player to be hit by a succession of blows, first to his hip while an off-the-ball strike at the turn of the final quarter saw him replaced.
Only his second ever senior start but performed like a grizzled veteran, picking off five points to become the hosts top scorer from play.
Doubts about his fitness were quickly rubbished by a five star free-taking display as he was unerring with eleven placed balls and even set up the goal for Duggan.
A ball and marker magnet, O’Donnell is superbly adept at being playmaker and scorer. Was also fouled for three of Rodgers’ free count.
Was largely frustrated as a target man, only getting one goal sighting that he kicked over the bar. However, came into his own as a puck-out target on the wing in the second half.
There were senior debuts for Diarmuid Stritch and Ronan Kilroy, with the former raiding for three points in an electric cameo while Shane Meehan sealed the first points with a last gasp goal made by fellow replacements Conor Leen and Ian Galvin.
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Inspired throughout, producing three top drawer saves to deny the hosts while also provided direct assist for two of Stephen Bennett’s goals.
A baptism of fire for the Ballygunner defender who coped admirably, particularly in tough aerial warfare with Peter Duggan in the opening period.
Shadowed Shane O’Donnell for the majority which was a thankless task and meant that he had to sacrifice his own influential game in the heart of the Waterford defence.
Kept Mark Rodgers scoreless from play which was a feat in itself but did give away three frees and was left exposed for final clinching goal.
Named at 10 but played large chunk at wing-back. Had two early wides but stood up well to keep a baying Banner at bay.
Anchored the defence well as predominantly a sweeper and distributor and managed to keep a number of attackers scoreless.
Had a tough job trying to track Tony Kelly early on and found Sean Rynne equally as tough despite hitting a bit of ball himself.
Battled manfully in the opening period to get the edge around the centre and it would provide a perfect platform to keep the Deise on the front-foot.
Tigerish throughout, controversially so at one stage with a strong tackle on Shane O’Donnell. Ran himself into the ground for the cause.
Arguably positioned too far from goal to really impact. But it was hard to argue with an inside trio of Bennett, Walsh and Hutchinson.
Looked to use his experience on rookie marker O’Farrell, got a point in each half and was threatening around the goal late on.
Didn’t get on the scoresheet himself but won two frees including taking one for the team with a shoulder to the chest by Rory Hayes. Worked tirelessly.
A real thorn for Clare, taking his tally to 5-20 in two championship bouts thanks to 3-12 here. Brilliant from placed balls with 1-12 while was a real poacher for remaining two goals.
Excellent throughout and a real addition to the Waterford attacking arsenal, winning a first quarter penalty while scoring a goal himself in the final quarter.
Scored three points and thrived in the extra space of the second half but never threatened like Walsh and Bennett did.
Austin Gleeson’s return lifted the Waterford crowd and was well merited with a brace of points. Kevin Mahony might have grabbed an injury-time equaliser, thanks to good work from Patrick Curran while Peter Hogan pointed in a grandstand finish.
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