Goals from David Russell, Steven Hickie and Colm Mullen from a penalty in the13th, 20th and 55th minutes respectivelty set up Clare for a deserved win in the opening round of the Munster SFC at Dungarvan.

Clare lead at half time by 2-2 0-6, after Waterford held a two point advantage nine minutes into the game.

Three points seperated the sides seven minutes into the second period when Waterford were awarded a penalty which Michael Walsh dispatched to the net to tie the scores at Waterford 1-7 Clare 2-4.

Clare’s response was decisive, and when Colm Mullen goaled from a penalty in the 55th minute the winners now lead by 3-6 to 1-7, they then stretched their advantage to six points with 10 mins remaining.

Waterford were thrown a lifeline when Shane Walsh fisted the ball into the net with two minutes of normal time left leaving two points between the sides.

But Clare finished the stronger with further points from O’Shea and O’Driscoll ensuring the tense victory.

Clare now advance to meet Tipperary in the semi-finals.