Whitegate manager Mike Ryan is praising his squad for booking their place in the winners round of the Clare Senior Hurling Championship.
The East Clare outfit beat 2014 champions Cratloe with a last minute goal to take a 4-9 to 0-20 win.
It’s the third year in a row that Cratloe have been beaten in the opening round, with Whitegate now having two chances to reach the quarter finals.
Ryan says it was all about producing the right performance to ensure relegation worries wouldn’t be a concern
Meanwhile holders Ballyea began the defence of their title with victory over Wolfe Tones.
Tony Kelly’s late goal put the game to bed with the Clare and Munster champions going on to record a 1-16 to 0-12 win.
Manager Fergal Hegarty says they’re relieved to get the year off to a positive start.
Elsewhere last years beaten finalists Clonlara got the better of Feakle, Newmarket dispatched a dogged Clooney/Quin.
Inagh/Kilnamona shaded a tight battle with Crusheen while Eire Óg were impressive winners over O’Callaghans Mills.
Sixmilebridge beat Clarecastle by the biggest margin of the weekend while St Josephs ensured their return to the top tier was a success by edging out Tulla.
In the intermediate Championship, there were wins for Scariff, Corofin, Broadford, Ruan, Parteen, Kilmaley, Smith O’Briens and Clarecastle.
