Sixmilebridge recorded their fifth successive victory in the 2015 Clare Champion cup (senior hurling league) race when they defeated Clarecastle at O’Garney Park on Saturday evening.

The winners laid the foundations for this latest victory in the opening half but they had to survive a strong rally from the magpies in the second period. When the final whistle sounded the Bridge were 2-15 to 1-15 in front.

The Sean Stack managed Clonlara got back to winning ways when scoring a convincing 3-16 to 1-7 win over title holders Cratloe at the latter’s venue.

While Clonlara were full value for their win, showing the greater sharpness throughout, it must be pointed out that Cratloe were without the services of two thirds of last year’s title winning side.

That said, Cormac O’Donovan sparkled for the winners, finishing with a tally of 1-3 from play .

Newmarket inflicted a first defeat of the campaign on Crusheen on Friday evening when they were 2-16 to 1-9 winners at Fr. Murphy park.

Feakle continued their recent good form when they made the short journey to Kilkishen and defeated their neighbouring rivals by two points, 2-10 to 1-11. First half goals from Martin Daly and Colin Nelson proved decisive in this one.

Inagh-Kilnamona had four points to spare over Clooney-Quin at the latter’s venue, helped by goals from David Fitzgerald and Jason McCarthy.

In division 1 B, Tulla overcame the disadvantage of having a player sent off after just four minutes to record an eight point win over Broadford.

In the same group Eire Og scored a four point win over Scariff while Tubber had five points to spare over a hitherto unbeaten Wolfe Tones outfit.

Another team to lose its unbeaten run was Ruan who went under to neighbours Corofin by four points in a division 2 tie.

Meanwhile, in the senior football (Cusack cup) competition, also sponsored by the Clare Champion,  title holders Kilmurry-Ibrickane continued their winning ways with a five point win over Cooraclare while managerless Doonbeg recorded their first win of the campaign when they went to Doonaha and defeated O’Currys by six points

By Seamus Hayes