Clare dominate in win over Down

A physically stronger Clare side had it all too easy in their Allianz National Hurling League opener as they beat Down 3-25 to 1-13 at Portaferry.

New manager Tony Considine watched his charges totally dominate, with Barry Nugent (2) and substitute Bernard Gaffney sharing out the goals.

Down rallied late on with Martin Coulter firing past Philip Brennan, who stepped in for Davy Fitzgerald as Clare’s goalkeeper.

Nugent hammered home a fourth-minute goal and Gaffney, on for the injured Diarmuid McMahon, netted on 25 minutes for a 2-13 to 0-6 half-time lead.

Corner back Kevin Dilleen and Brendan Bugler, who played in midfield, made impressive league bows for Clare.