Munster MHC: Clare 2-22 Cork 0-19
Clare’s perfect record in the round robin series of the Munster minor hurling championship was completed with a nine point win over Cork in Pairc ui Chaoimh.
It sealed a third consecutive appearance in the provincial final at the grade for Brian O’Connell’s charges, with Tipperary providing the opposition on Monday May 20th.
Liam Murphy’s goal scoring streak continued as the O’Callaghans Mills man registered both green flags for Clare, taking his total to five in two games.
The first was a timely one just before the end of the opening quarter when Cork had opened up a 0-5 to 0-2 lead.
Murphy’s goal sent Clare ahead by 1-3 to 0-5, with the sides going into the break level 1-9 to 0-12.
Both sides were wasteful in the opening period and Clare can thank goalkeeper Matthew Crotty for producing some excellent saves at key moments to keep his side in the game.
One of those came after the first attack of the new half, and Clare seized the initiative to open up a three point lead by the 45th minute.
10 different scorers contributed to Clare’s tally on the night with Murphy taking top spot on a personal tally of 2-3.
His second goal was a clinical finish after another Cork defensive error in the 52nd minute to put Clare 2-17 to 0-17 ahead and kill the tie as a contest.
Harry Doherty (0-6), Paul Rodgers and Patrick Finneran (0-3 each) got scores at vital times for Brian O’Connell’s side, who are also now guaranteed a spot in the All Ireland quarter-finals at a minimum.
Clare finish the round robin series unbeaten while also keeping a clean sheet in each of the four games, and posting a scoring tally of 6-70.
