Clare 1-20 Waterford 3-9:CLARE WERE absolutely devastating in the first half and completely blew Waterford away at Páirc Uí Chaoimh yesterday. Waterford simply could not live with Clare's pace, determination but most impressive was their decision-making when in possession.

With Tony Kelly and Colm Galvin completely on top at midfield, they opened up a 0-5 to 0-1 lead after 10 minutes. Some of their score-taking was a joy to behold especially those scored outfield by Galvin, Kelly and wing-back Jarlath Colleran.

Waterford were thrown a lifeline in the 15th minute when they scored a goal through Adam O’Sullivan who was set up by a searing run by Stephen Bennett.

Clare’s response was impressive as they scored four points in two minutes, leaving them leading by 0-14 to 1-4 at the break. A goal from Oisín Hickey three minutes after the interval effectively sealed the win.

Thereafter, the Banner took their foot off the pedal and deviated from the game plan, resorting to shooting from impossible distances. Waterford came back into the game but some errant free-taking slowed down their comeback. They narrowed the gap in the 48th minute when Adam O’Sullivan kicked in his second goal. Waterford’s third goal in the 56th minute from Gavin O’Brien proved nothing more than a consolation.

CLARE: E Quilligan; J Browne, N OConnor, S Morey; J Colleran (0-1), J Shanahan (0-1), G O’Connell; C Galvin (0-2), T Kelly (0-3, 0-1 65); P Duggan (0-1), C O’Connell (0-10, all frees), E Enright; S O’Donnell, O Hickey (1-0), A Cunningham (0-2) Sub: A Mulready for E Enright.

WATERFORD: P Cooke; J Barron, D Aherne, C Walsh; S ONeill, D Foley, R Barry; S McNulty, G O’Brien (1-1); C Dunford, J Dillon (0-5, four frees, one 65), D Flynn; A O’Sullivan (2-1), S Bennett, C Chester. Subs: D Breathnach (0-2) for Dunford, C Curran for Chester, I Kenny for O’Neill, M Harney for Flynn

Referee: J O’Connell (Cork)