Munster MHC: Clare 4-11 Tipperary 0-19
Clare are on the brink of a third consecutive Munster MHC final after maintaining their unbeaten run in this year’s championship.
A hat-trick from O’Callaghans Mills clubman Liam Murphy was the catalyst for the victory, while another stellar showing for the Banner defence resulted in a third clean sheet in a row for the defending champions.
The first of Clare’s quartet of green flags arrived after Tipperary had got the opening three scores of the game. It was one of the survivors of last years All Ireland win that provided it, as Conor Ralph fired a brilliant finish to the roof of the net.
Murphy began his hat trick process just minutes later with a perceptive first time pull after his initial effort had been thwarted, but his second was even better as he coaxed the ball home from the end line to the far corner.
Matthew Corbett and Harry Doherty did plenty too in keeping the scoreboard ticking, and it helped the Banner lead by 3-4 to 0-9 at the break.
The third quarter was all about the home side, as a fine free taking display from Eoghan Doughan saw the game level entering the final quarter.
Murphy’s third goal arrived ten minutes from time as he was quickest to react to a breaking ball before producing another clinical finish to send Clare 4-8 to 0-16 ahead.
It was a score that would have broken the resolve of most teams, but credit to Tipperary, they continued to mount a response, albeit in vain.
The win sees Clare sitting top of the round robin standings, and while a place in the final is still not guaranteed, Brian O’Connell’s charges are in pole position ahead of next weeks final round away to Cork.
Should Clare win or draw, it will guarantee their progression, while a Limerick win over Tipperary would also send Clare through along with Cork.
A win for Cork, coupled with victory for Tipperary, would see all three teams tied on six points, with scoring difference then deciding the final standings.
Clare currently are on +19, Cork are +17 with Tipperary on +5