Limerick to face Waterford in Munster Hurling League decider after dramatic end to group stages

LIMERICK will take on Waterford in the final of the Co-Op Superstores Munster Hurling League on Saturday next after a dramatic conclusion to the group stages of the competition on Monday night.

Saturday's early season decider will have a 3.15pm throw-in time with the final venue to be confirmed. 

Limerick claimed top spot in Group B of the Munster Hurling League and with it qualification to the final by virtue of their superior points difference to both Clare and Cork.

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Clare claimed a dramatic 1-18 to 0-20 victory over Clare in the final group fixture at Mallow on Monday night. Home side Cork had trailed by five points with nine minutes of the contest remaining. A drawn or victory would have seen Clare advance to the decider. 

Instead, Limerick, Clare and Cork each finished up with one win and one defeat in their group fixtures. However, Limerick's big 1-28 to 0-16 win over Cork in their second game at the TÚS Gaelic Grounds on Wednesday last ensured John Kiely's charges topped the group on scoring difference. 

Limerick had suffered a 3-20 to 3-18 defeat to Clare in their opening group game in Tulla.

While Limerick finished with a scoring difference of +13 after their two group games, Clare's was +2, with Cork on -14.

Waterford claimed top spot in Group A also on scoring difference, following an opening round draw against Tipperary with a runaway victory over Kerry in their second outing.