Clare 2-18
Waterford 1-9

Conor Finnucane and Eimhin Courtney combined for 0-13 as Clare cruised by Waterford's challenge this afternoon in Meelick.

The Banner men field just four of their side from last July's All-Ireland SFC qualifier defeat to Mayo but still managed to win comfortably here with an impressive second-half performance, having led by four (1-7 to 0-6) at half-time.

Cathal O'Connor registered the victors' first goal after 12 minutes while top scorers Finnucane landed no fewer than seven of his eight points in the second-half to devastate the Deise.

Waterford handed out 10 debuts for this one but it won't be one to remember as far as they're concerned, with Jason Curry they're only really player to shine after scoring 0-7 over the 70 minutes.

Conor Murray goaled for them in injury-time to cancel out Gearoid O'Brien's major at the other end.

Should Cork hand Waterford a second defeat next Sunday then the Rebels will face Clare in the final, with both counties down to meet in a round robin game on January 14th in Mallow.

Clare - K Roche; J Blake, C Brennan, G Kelly; S Collins (0-2), A Fitzgerald, J Culligan; D Bohannon, C O'Connor (1-0); P Lillis, A Sweeney, K Malone (0-1); E Courtney (0-5), G O'Brien (1-1), C Finnucane (0-8, 4f). Subs: E Tubridy for K Roche, E Collins for J Blake, D Egan (0-1) for P Lillis, T Hannon for J Culligan, J Hannon for S Collins, E O'Connor for G Kelly.

Waterford - D Whitty; C McCarthy, G Cullinan, A Trihy; K Murphy, S Prendergast, S Ryan; C McGuire, D Guiry; E O'Brien, J Veale, J Curry (0-7, 4f); G Crotty (0-1), P Walsh, C Murray (1-0). Subs: A Walsh for K Murphy, M Kiely (0-1) for E O'Brien, K Power for C McGuire, E O'Brien for J Veale.

Referee - P O'Driscoll.

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