"They were clinical and got their scores a little bit easier than what we did"

Clare manager Brian Lohan says Waterford were the more clinical side in yesterday’s Munster senior hurling championship meeting between the two counties at Walsh Park.

Stephen Bennett struck both goals as the Deise men recorded a convincing 2-23 to 0-21 victory on home turf – a result which marks the All-Ireland champions’ first defeat in this year’s Mick Mackey Cup race.

Speaking to RTE Sport after the game, Lohan offered no excuses for his team’s defeat and said they’re looking forward to welcoming a few players back, including talisman Tony Kelly who missed out yesterday through illness.

"Disappointing to lose the game but you have to give credit to Waterford," he said. "Good performance from them. They were clinical and got their scores a little bit easier than what we did.

"A significant breeze and we thought we were in a reasonable position at half-time (0-13 to 0-10 behind).

"Having said that, our touch wasn't as good as what it could have been. Spilled a couple of balls, which is never a good sign. In the second-half, it just didn't go well for us."

The Banner boss added: "We'd be hoping to get a couple of guys back. So we'll just take our beating now and move on."