‘It was a really physical battle out there’- Lohan

After the opening round high tempo victory over Cork this second league outing was a far more physical contest with tactics to the forefront.
“It was an extremely tough game. Coming down here to Walsh park is always tough and we’d be absolutely delighted with our lads. We showed great spirit and our overall attitude was outstanding.”
With five changes to the starting team listed in the match programme other players were given further game time to put their hands up and try challenge for a regular starting spot.
“We had a lot of changes from the last day. There’s a number of these guys still involved at the business end of the Fitzgibbon Cup and we have eleven in total due to play again this week so we have to take the advice from the professionals and their advice was not to play them. We are not going to bring in these professional people and ignore them” the former Clare captain added.
On the game itself Lohan felt it was an altogether different challenge when compared to the Cork test and he was really happy with the way the newer players responded and the result.
For the second week in a row Clare blitzed their opponents with a storming start to the second half after playing with the wind for the opening thirty five minutes.
“Look that was a really physical battle out there today and it was a very tactical game and for our players development it’s a good game to get through. We struggled a bit early on and in the first quarter we didn’t play well but the second quarter I felt our work rate increased and our use of possession was better.
“Scores were very hard to get for both teams but we did concede a few easy ones early on which I’d be disappointed with but we addressed that at the break and as a group we’d be very happy with the third quarter.
“The lads came out after the break and really stepped it up. There was some very good individual performances out there and players are fighting to be on the starting fifteen which as a manager that’s all you can ask for.”
Two wins from two as Clare will now have a week off and the four time All Star winner acknowledges the fact that it’s only the league but is happy with the progress being made.
“We take it game by game which is a cliche but it’s also very true. We even look at things half by half and play by play at times and that’s the way hurling has evolved. The team will enjoy a rest and then look forward to another trip away to Wexford. It’s only the league but winning is winning and we would be relatively happy where we are at the moment.”