Ballyea manager Robbie Hogan feels his side showed huge heart to dig out a result in their opening game of the 2021 Clare senior hurling championship.
A late rally from the 2018 champions saw them overcome Broadford by a point with late Niall Deasy and Tony Kelly points proving crucial.
Next up for Ballyea is a showdown with the man who guided to the 2018 title, as they take on the Kevin Sheehan trained Crusheen in three weeks time.
Hogan says having more collective time together will be crucial ahead of that game
Meanwhile Clonlara boss Eddie Horgan says their players took on the responsibility of turning their fortunes around as they recorded an opening round win.
A third quarter fightback, capped by a Cormac O’Donovan goal, saw them overcome last years beaten finalists O’Callaghan’s Mills to go joint top of the Group One standings.
Clonlara have a bye in Round Two, meaning they will not be in action for another five weeks when they meet Inagh-Kilnamona.
Horgan says leaders emerged when they were needed.
