Allianz Hurling League Division 2 – Clare 2-14 Antrim 2-13

Clare 2-14 Antrim 2-13

From the GAA.ie web site

Clare repelled a late Antrim comeback to secure their first points in their 2011 Allianz Hurling league Division two campaign at Casement Park on Sunday. Having been heavily beaten by Limerick last week, the pressure was on Clare boss Ger O’Loughlin to make amends, and his players just about delivered in a hectic finale. Clare were far the better team in the opening exchanges and goals from Conor McGrath and Cathal McInerney helped the Banner men to a 2-9 to 0-4 lead.

However, Cushendall’s Neil McManus responded with a goal for the Saffrons, sending a low shot to the back of the net in first half added time to leave his side trailing by 2-9 to 1-5 at the break. The gap was down to two points when Antrim, invigorated by the introduction of sub Shane McNaughton, started the second half with five successive scores while their second goal came from Liam Kearns, who hit the back of the net midway through the second half. Clare were then reduced to 14 men, as James McInerney was sent off for a second yellow card offence. With five minutes to go, points from McManus and Conor Carson saw Antrim draw level. However, Clare’s Nicky O’Connell sent over his seventh point of the game in added time to nudge Clare ahead. There was, however, some late drama, as Karl Stewart did have a chance to level the game deep into added time, but he sent a 20-metre free from a tight angle just wide.