AMID TORRID conditions in Cusack Park, Clare outshone Down by 3-19 to 0-05 to advance to an All Ireland Minor Hurling semi-final.
The Banner managed to limit Down to just three points in the first half, a tally matched by both Bobby Duggan and Shane O’Donnell in one fell swoop. Their goals helping Clare to a 2-10 to 0-3 advantage at the break.
There would be no easing off the pedal from the Munster men after the break. Niall Deasy rocketed in the third goal of the day while Conor Cleary maintained a rock-solid defence for his county to ensure the Mournemen failed to match their paltry first-half haul.
A day where Down were outclassed from first minute to last ends with Clare moving into the country’s final four on a hugely convincing win.
The Banner will meet Dublin in the MHC semi-final on August 12. Tipperary will face Galway in the other semi-final a week later.
