CAMOGIE: Tipperary absolutely cruising this spring time as they beat a rudderless Clare

Tipperary 1-20 Clare 0-7

Tipperary showed what they are capable of with an early blitz of a rugged Clare at The Ragg today. Leading by 0-14 to 0-0 at the interval, the Denis Kelly coached side were full value for their lead as they cruised to a comfortable 1-20 to 0-7 victory in the end. 

Niamh Treacy (0-4), Caoimhe Maher (1-2) and Eimear McGrath (0-4) were the main scorers in attack and with Clonoulty Rossmore stalwart Cáit Devane hitting nine points, it was a game that will do their confidence the world of good. 

Tipperary introduced former All-Star defender, Mary Ryan for her first outing of the year after illness to sweeten on already memorable day for the Premier. 

Clare will wonder where it has gone wrong this spring since they defeated All-Ireland champions Kilkenny in the first round, but they can have little complaints after falling to a third successive defeat since their big win over the Cats. This was by far the worst performance from Clare, who failed to register a single score in the first half. 

The second was better, despite losing Ciara Grogan for a second yellow card just before half time. The contest was over at that stage, but Orlaith Duggan, Lorna McNamara and Chloe Morey scored points to make the scoreboard more respectable. Tipp rallied then as Maher breached the Clare defence for her goal in the 42nd minute and it was plain sailing for the home team. 

Galway and Tipperary now join Cork on top of the Division 1A table of the Camogie League as a result of comfortable wins secured over Dublin and Clare respectively. 

The Rebels play Kilkenny tomorrow (Sunday) and the pressure has been placed on them by their nearest rivals, with only the top two reaching the final next month.