By Seamus Hayes

There will be much to play for in round 3 of the Clare senior hurling championship next weekend after the completion of round 2 which leaves eighteen of the twenty teams in the competition still in with a chance of making it to the play offs.

Defending champions Newmarket along with Crusheen, Clonlara, Ballyea and O’Callaghans Mills are the only unbeaten sides after two outings. They are in a strong position to advance but nothing is guaranteed and they wll need to get something from the upcoming round if they are to be in the play offs.

Clonlara had five points to spare (1-17 to 1-12) over Clarecastle in a lively tie at Sixmilebride where Cathal ‘Tots’ O’Connell was their goalscorer.

Crusheen, with Cian Dillon in sparkling form at centre back, were impressive 0-17 to 0-10 winners over a disappointing Inagh-Kilnamona at Cusack Park. At the same venue, Kilmaley got their campaign back on track with a five point victory, 2-15 to 1-13, over Tubber.

In the senior B competition, Ballyea moved to the top of their group with a comfortable 2-17 to 0-12 win over Wolfe Tones while Broadford caused somewhat of a shock with they had ten points, 2-11 to 0-7, to spare over Scariff.

In the intermediate championship Whitegate ended Corofin’s involvement in this year’s title race when they scored a 1-17 to 2-9 win. Victory over Ennistymon in their final group game this weekend will see the East Clare side top their group and book a semi-final place