Waterford suffered a narrow one point loss to Clare in the Munster Senior hurling League this afternoon in Fraher Field.
It looked one way traffic for long spells, but the home side came roaring back into proceedings late on but was the Banner who held on for victory to set up a Final meeting with Tipperary next weekend.
Tony Kelly and the impressive Stephen Bennett who finished with 2-12 (1-2 from play) traded first half goals as the visitors held a commanding 1-14 to 1-5 lead at the interval.
Shane Golden Niall Deasy and Tony Kelly added second half scores but Waterford got back to within four points, trailing 1-18 to 1-14 with 12 minutes remaining.
But when Colin Guilfoyle struck goal for the third consecutive game, Clare looked home and dry but there would be an exciting conclusion for the 3,000 plus supporters.
The score was 2-20 to 1-16 entering injury time but late goals for Tommy Ryan and Bennett suddenly left it a one-point ball game.
Waterford just needed a draw to advance but Clare held their nerve to see this out, on a 2-20 to 3-16 scoreline.
Déise manager Pairic Fanning says he was pleased with the improvement in the second period.
Pairic says the nine changes was to allow to get game time into players.
Pairic says he was pleased with aspects of the display, particularly in the second half.
CO-OP Superstores Munster Hurling League
Full Time
Waterford (Port Lairge): 3-16(25)
Clare (An Clár): 2-20(26)
Hard Luck to our Hurlers on a well fought come back!— Waterford GAA (@WaterfordGAA) January 6, 2019
Meanwhile, in Benji Whelan's first game in charge, Waterford footballers lost out to Clare in the McGrath Cup semi-final at the Gold Coast.
Clare were always in control in Ballinacourty against Waterford as Conal O'hAinifein netted a first half goal.
Colm Collins' outfit dominated the opening period to lead by 1-8 to 0-2 at half-time with Gary Brennan and Gavin Cooney also effective.
After the restart Waterford battled, but the visitors were never seriously troubled and ran out 1-17 to 1-6 winners.
