Clonea are through to the last eight of the Waterford Senior Hurling Championship after a thrilling 2-15 to 1-17 victory over Dungarvan, with James Power’s brace of goals proving decisive.

Midfielder Billy Power, who chipped in with seven points, admitted relief was the overriding emotion at the final whistle.

“Very relieved,” he said. “They’re probably one of the hardest games to win and we know more than most now. Probably only our second or third win out of six or seven attempts, so yeah, just delighted to get over the line.”

After battling relegation last year, Power said reaching the quarter-finals marked a big step forward for the club.

“It’s massive. You always want to be taking a step in the right direction and progressing as a team and as a club. Just to get up there is massive and it gives great confidence going into next week, no matter how we win.”

He credited James Power’s two goals as the turning point.

“Massive, and we got them at the right time,” he said. “The first one gave us that cushion at half-time. Dungarvan are a very well-battled team, and we knew it would be a massive task to get over them.”

There was late drama too, with Billy himself making a crucial interception to deny Dungarvan what looked like a certain goal. Patrick Curran hit 1-12 on the night for the Old Boro – and Johnny Burke and Eoin O’Callaghan were both narrowly denied late green flags.

“It was a bit of luck and a bit of hard work probably that got me back there. On another day that could have been a goal as well, so we’ll take what we get.”

And while not usually seen in his own full-back line, Power said necessity dictated his defensive heroics.

“Our shape went a good bit in the second half – it was just bodies everywhere and we had to do what we had to do.”

After spells abroad in Dubai last year, the midfielder said he’s now fully focused on helping Clonea push further in the championship.

“I’m at home now for the moment. So it’s good to be home and give it a proper rattle over the next few weeks.”

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