Allianz Hurling League Division 1B – Clare 3-16 Wexford 0-18

Allianz Hurling League Division IB: Wexford 0-18 Clare 3-16

Report from the GAA.ie web site

Clare maintained their flawless record in Division 1B with a seven-point defeat of Wexford at Cusack Park, Ennis on Sunday afternoon. The Banner can’t be caught at the top of the table following their fourth successive League win under Davy Fitzgerald, while Wexford look destined for a relegation play-off with Laois, who they play in their final game in Wexford Park next Sunday. Clare powered into a 0-6 to 0-0 lead after 17 minutes, with Conor McGrath chipping in with three of their points, while Wexford did not register a score until the 19th minute, when Diarmuid O’Keeffe finally hit the target. Clare re-asserted their dominance when John Conlon got their first goal after 20 minutes.

Jack Guiney responded with the first of his seven first half points for Wexford, but Seán Collins hit the back of the net for the second week in a row on 28 minutes, helping his side to a 2-8 to 0-9 lead at the break. The game was over as a contest when Conor McGrath struck for a fine goal six minutes after the restart. Wexford’s cause was not helped when Matthew O’Hanlon was sent off. Guiney kept Wexford in touch, while McGrath took his total for the day to 1-7 and Nicky O’Connell registered a point as Clare led by 3-12 to 0-12 after 53 minutes. Wexford had the better of the final quarter, but the Banner were always in control and march into the Division IB final on April 8.