Four teams have taken a step toward the next phase of the Clare senior hurling championship after this weekends opening round ties.
The three most recent champions had routine victories, while last years Clare Cup champions edged a thriller.
Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch rounds up the action
The game of the round came in the final tie of the day as a late effort from Raymond Bane gave Feakle a one point win over Clonlara.
The south-east Clare men looked to have secured a point when John Conlon levelled matters deep in injury time, but Bane’s strike was the last action of a hugely competitive tie.
Feakle manager PJ Kelleher felt his side were rewarded for showing great spirit throughout
In the first of the double header in Sixmilebridge, second half goals from Diarmuid Ryan and Rian Considine saw Cratloe register a comfortable win over Clarecastle.
Cratloe led by ten points at the break, and while the second half was a more competitive affair, the result was never in doubt.
Magpies boss Brian Russell feels they will learn plenty from it
Ballyea’s title defence got off to the perfect start, with goals from Pearse Lillis and Aaron Griffin helping them see off O’Callaghan’s Mills by 2-20 to 1-14.
Manager Robbie Hogan was glad to put the first two points on the board, but says focus has to move quickly with another game to come next weekend
The opening game of the weekend saw Sixmilebridge grind down neighbours Newmarket to run out winners by 0-23 to 1-13.
It means after the opening weekend, Sixmilebridge and Feakle share top spot in Group One, with Ballyea and Cratloe leading the way in Group Two.