Allianz NHL Div. 1(A), Rd.2
WATERFORD 1-16 - 0-20 CLARE
Despite a late rally, Waterford came up just short against Munster rivals Clare in front of 3,951 spectators at a sunny yet cold Walsh Park on Sunday afternoon.
It marked a second successive victory for the Banner and also their first win at the Keane's Road venue since 2006, after a hard-fought battle.
Fourmilewater clubman Sean Walsh netted his second goal of the league campaign when he fired low to the net after twelve minutes to give the home side an early boost.
Conor Ryan started instead of the injured Calum Lyons and the Roanmore defender chipped it two fine scores.
Brian Lohan's charges picked off some impressive points with Aidan McCarthy, Sean Rynne and David Reidy all on target.
There was a lively flare-up in front of the main stand just before Liam Gordon blew the half-time whistle as the sides went in level at the break (1-9 to 0-12).
The intensity dropped a notch in the second half as Clare began to take control, punishing errors by the hosts. Aidan McCarthy was influential throughout with Patrick Crotty and substitute Shane Meehan also working the scoreboard.
Waterford lost Stephen Bennett to a hamstring injury as his brother Shane came off the bench along with Kevin Mahony, Seamus Fitzgerald and Darragh Lyons.
Lyons landed a massive point to leave the minimum between the sides heading into injury time, then Aidan McCarthy and Shane Bennett exchanged late points as Clare held on for victory by the minimum.
Waterford will travel to face Cork in Pairc Uì Chaoimh for Rd. 3 on February 25th, a game that'll be broadcast live on WLR thanks to George Corbett Skoda.
For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.
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