KERRY were fortunate to earn a share of the spoils with Clare in a well contested tie in difficult conditions at Cusack Park, Ennis yesterday.

Kerry certainly made the brighter start and had points from Jack Ferriter and the outstanding Dara O Cinneide in the opening two minutes. They were all over Clare at this stage and the home side were fortunate not to have conceded a goal in the fifth minutes when Denis Dwyer's shot rebounded off the upright.

After this let-off Clare came much more into the game and quickly drew level with points from Martin Daly and Francis McInerney. Kerry again eased into a two-point lead but then in a six-minute spell Clare kicked four great points to open a two-point lead.

Kerry finished the half strongly with points from centre back John Burke and O Cinneide to leave the half-time score at 0-6 each.

When the visitors scored three points without reply in the opening nine minutes of the second half, it looked all over for Clare who were facing the lively breeze.

Three points still separated the teams with 10 minutes to go but the remaining time belonged to the Banner men and Kerry were relieved to hear the final whistle.

Clare had a couple of excellent opportunities in the closing minutes but they were wasted.