The Champions of 2014 showed all their experience to withstand a late onslaught from St.Joseph’s Doora-Barefield in Shannon this afternoon.
Cathal O’Hanlon got Cratloe’s campaign off to the perfect start with a goal inside the opening four minutes which quickly inspired a follow up point from county star Podge Collins.
Jack Hannan then opened St.Joseph’s account after seven minutes before a moment of misfortune in the Doora-Barefield square led to Podge Collin’s long delivery deflecting off a Parish defender for an own goal.
At the quarter mark , Cratloe led comfortably by 2-03 to 0-01, however a spirited fightback led by the Hannan twins of Jack and Tom left St.Josephs in touch at the break where the sides departed at 2-05 to 0-06.
Doora Barefiled would hit a purple patch on the restart with Jack Hannon , Eoin Hanrahan and Tom McDonald scoring without reply , before the reliable boot of Cathal McInerney issued the South East Clare men’s response to steady the ship.
Despite St Joseph’s outscoring their opponents for the remainder of the contest , Cratloe’s early goals made all the difference while they will be thankful to net minder Padraig Chaplin who made a vital stop just five minutes from time from the goal bound effort of Eoghan Tynne to consolidate their win.
At Full time in Shannon it finished Cratloe 2-10 to St Joseph’s Doora Barefiled 0-14