Three weeks after they were crowned All-Ireland club champions for a seventh time, Ballyhale Shamrocks suffered a shock 3-15 to 2-22 defeat to Clara in the first round of the Kilkenny SHL in Callan yesterday.

Clara recovered from the concession of a 21st minute Colin Fennelly goal to lead by 1-13 to 1-8 at the break with Chris Bolger getting the goal. An Eoin Cody major left the minimum between the sides early in the second half, but Clara held their nerve, despite TJ Reid firing home a penalty with four minutes remaining.

Bennettsbridge, who were runners-up to Henry Shefflin's side in last year's county final, opened their campaign with a 2-20 to 2-18 victory over James Stephens. The city outfit led by 1-11 to 0-9 at the interval, but second half goals from Liam Blanchfield and Sean Morrissey turned the tide in the 'Bridge's favour.

Elsewhere, O'Loughlin Gaels beat Mullinavat 2-21 to 2-12, Eddie O'Donoghue's late goal handed Dicksboro a 1-16 to 2-11 win over newly-promoted Graigue-Ballycallan, Erin's Own accounted for Danesfort 3-14 to 0-17, while St Patrick's, Ballyragget edged out Rower-Inistioge on a 1-19 to 3-12 scoreline.

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