Dramatic Clare Win

National Hurling League Division 1 Final:

Clare 1-23, Waterford 2-19

Yesterday's replayed National Hurling league final played at Semple Stadium, Thurles, had a cruel twist in the end for Waterford. The Decies led throughout the game until the 71st minute. The Clare equalizer came from a colossal free more than 80 yards from the Waterford goal struck by the brilliant Tony Kelly. The puck-out was grabbed by a Clare player, following the usual scramble; he struck the ball to the right wing where the same Tony Kelly got possession and, though under pressure, he struck over the winning point at a sharp angle from his weaker right side.

The standard of play was at a higher level than in the drawn game. Both teams contain many skilful hurlers. Clare undo a lot of good possession by excessive use of long passing — always a dangerous gambit. They conceded the second goal through a very poorly directed long cross-field pass when there was ample opportunity to dispatch the ball to their opponents 21 yard mark. This was at a time when Clare had been getting on top after a bad start when they conceded a number of early scores. Waterford seemed to tire near the end giving Clare a bit more space to pick off points which they are well capable of doing. Their outstanding players on the day were the Nire's Austin Gleeson and Dungarvan's Patrick Curran. Conor McGrath was an excellent forward for Clare as well as the great Tony Kelly.