A good start proved to be just the ticket for Stradbally of Waterford as they booked their place in the Munster club SFC semi-finals after beating (0-7 to 0-4) Doonbeg (Clare) at Dungarvan's Fraher Field.

In what was a fractured first half, the winners-elect posted notice of their intention to meet up with Nemo Rangers in the next round by easing their way into a 0-5 to 0-1 lead at the interval.

Ironically, it was Doonbeg who opened the scoring via the boot of David Tubridy (free) but with county hurler Michael 'Brick' Walsh in their fold, Stradbally soon got a vice-like grip on the exchanges.

Points from Niall Curran and Shane Ahearne (frees) plus one from Stephen Cunningham and a brace from Trevor Curran had the Clare men in trouble.

Doonbeg hung in there and their 'keeper Nigel Dillon came to their rescue with points-savings fetches on two occasions.

Stradbally continued to operate from the driver's seat but a fantastic point from Shane Ryan in the opening 60 seconds hinted at better things to come from Doonbeg.

The Clare champions refused to throw in the towel and even though their best player, Shane Ryan, kicked two points, earlier efforts from Andy Doyle and Tommy Connors for Stradbally left an air of inevitability hanging over the game and put the issue all but beyond the Banner County champions. Tweet

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