Waterford's Defence Broken By Disciplined Clare

Munster SHC Quarterfinal
Clare 2-26
Waterford 0-23

By Dermot Kavanagh

By Dermot Kavanagh

Munster champions, Waterford, made a very tame defence of their title at Limerick on Sunday as they were handed a 9 point drubbing by a highly motivated, physically aggressive but very disciplined Clare side.

Such was the weak nature of Waterfords approach that one is almost forced to suggest that possibly this is the end of the road for this particular team. Granted they were short four key players but it was the poor displays of those that were available, apart from a few exceptions that gives the greatest cause for concern. Amongst those that can be exonerated from this mauling are man of the match, John Mullane (who scored 8 points from play), goal keeper Clinton Hennessy and outfield players Dave Bennet and Eoin McGrath.

However to comment on Waterfords lack luster display may appear to be unfair to Clares performance. Nothing of that nature is intended. On Sunday Clare were magnificent throughout the field in both their attitude and their performance. Before Clare settled Waterford had 3 unanswered points on the board. Clare were unrattled and had 5 unanswered points themselves to lay down a marker for the days precedings. Before Waterford could regroup Clare struck them a deadly body blow when in the 16th minute new rising star Mark Flaherthy profited from poor Waterford defending to score the games first goal.

To Waterfords credit, or more accurately Mullanes six points were scored without reply to put them back into the lead as half time beckoned. Further points were exchanged and as the teams went in at the break Clare deservedly led by 1-12 to 0-12. With wind advantage to come in the second half a Clare win looked the more likely result.

The opening minutes of the second half saw an exchange of points but Clares 3 point lead was maintained. Then in the 42nd minute came the decisive score when following a bout of clever forward play Niall Gilligan powered through for Clares second goal. Thereafter, with the score standing at 2-16 to 0-16 Waterford seemed to accept their fate, making no serious attempt to salvage the game. Even the introduction of 5 substitutes didn't help. To see last years Hurler of the Year, Dan Shanahan being called ashore with 10 minutes remaining summed up Waterfords plight.

A physically imposing, super fit extremely confident Clare now face near neighbours Limerick in a semi-final. What a titanic struggle that should prove.

For Waterford its now on to the qualifiers. They have a 5 week break before they play the losers of the Galway- Antrim game. Not only will that break give them time to get their injured quartet back to fitness, but more importantly it will also give them time to recharge their batteries, both physical and mental as on Sunday's display, both are in serious decline.