Munster SHL: Cork 1-18 Clare 0-20
Clare’s run in this year’s Co-Op Superstores Munster SHL is over after a frustrating one point loss to Cork in Mallow.
A much more clinical Rebel outfit struck late through a dubious penalty awarded by referee Johnny Murphy; with Ben Cunningham dispatching expertly to the net to send Cork into the lead for the first time in the contest in the 57th minute.
Clare notched 11 wides over the course of the contest, with six of them coming in the opening period where the Banner led 0-12 to 0-7 having played with the wind.
A run of five unanswered scores early in the second half saw Cork haul themselves back into contention, and the lead was just one for Clare as the game turned for the final quarter
The introduction of Mark Rodgers and his assuming of the free taking duties seemed to settle Clare, with the Scariff man restoring a four point lead for Brian Lohans men.
Clare’s first point from play in the second half arrived in the 49th minute through Shane Meehan, with another quickly following from Diarmuid Stritch to see Clare lead by 0-18 to 0-13 with ten minutes to play.
1-4 without reply from the home side in Mallow turned the game on its head, with Murphy penalising Conor Cleary for grappling in the square with Alan Walsh.
Two more placed balls from Rodgers came either side of a clinching score by Walsh, as the Rebels held on to secure the minimum victory; on an evening where a draw would have seen Clare into the decider
Instead, it will be Waterford facing off with Limerick on Saturday afternoon
