Clare's Waterford Crystal Cup campaign is over after losing a high scoring affair against Cork in Mallow, 2-21 to 0-18 the final score.
The Rebels led at the break by 2-13 to Clare's 0-7, with both Cork goals coming from Luke O'Farrell. The second of these came just on the stroke of half time, and put real daylight between the sides.
Clare made a strong start to the second half, hitting the first two scores, and then the Banner got to within six points of Cork, 2-15 to 0-15 with 20 minutes to play.
This was as good as it got for Davy Fitzgeralds side though, with the Rebels booking a final spot next weekend.
Clare will no doubt be concerned at the 18 wides they struck this afternoon as the focus now turns to the League opener on February 15th against Galway in Salthill.
Scorers for Clare: Cathal O’Connell (0-3f), Bobby Duggan 0-4 each, Brendan Bugler, Colin Ryan (0-1f) 0-3 each, Patrick Donnellan 0-2, Shane Golden, Daire Keane 0-1 each.
