Cratloe got off to a winning start in group 2 of the Clare Senior Hurling Championship for 2022 after a decisive victory over Clarecastle
The sides traded the first two scores of the contest inside the opening minute from their respective free takers and it would mark the only moment the sides were level throughout the contest.
Cratloe made full use of the strong wind at their backs in O’Garney Park Sixmilebridge and commanded a ten point advantage at the interval thanks to the prolific Podge Collins who added four points from play in the first half and was complimented by contributions from Rian Considine, Shane Glesson, Shane Neville, Cathal McInerney, Daithí Collins and a long distance effort from county star Diarmuid Ryan.
Killian McDermott, James Doherty and Bobby Duggan provided the much needed scores for the Magpies
The South Clare men led by 0-13 to 0-03 at the break.
Upon the resumption of hostilities, the situation quickly got better for Cratloe as Diarmuid Ryan rattled the back of Cian Broderick’s net in the opening minute of the second half.
Despite a much improved performance from Clarecastle who would rack up twelve points in the second period it was most certainly too little too late and a Rian Considine goal just one minute from time provided the icing on the cake for Cratloe.
It finished in O’Garney Park, Cratloe 2-21 to Clarecastle’s 0-15.
Clarecastle will face O’Callaghan’s Mills on Sunday the 31st in the second round at Cusack Park where both sides will be looking to make amends for their opening round defeats.
Meanwhile Cratloe will have a bye into the next round.
