Waterford lost out to Clare in their opening game of the Munster Senior hurling Championship in Cusack Park, Ennis this afternoon as the home team ran out deserving winners.
The teams were level three times in a lively opening eight minutes.
Maurice Shanahan netted for Waterford on 9 minutes as he finished from close range following an initial effort from Tom Devine.
Maurice added another point as the visitors stretched their lead before they lost influential defender Tadhg Dé Búrca due to a shoulder injury, as Shamrocks clubman Colm Roche entered the fray.
Clare responded well and began to get a foothold in the game as Peter Duggan rattled the net from a penalty before Conor McGrath tied up proceedings at 1-4 apiece.
John Conlon netted the second goal for the home side who moved three points clear, 2-6 to 1-6.
The Banner added four further points without reply, Peter Duggan hit a hat trick of points (two frees) and Colm Galvin also on target.
Tom Devine and Tony Kelly (his first of the afternoon) exchanged points before Waterford scored the last two points of the half, with Kevin Moran and Maurice Shanahan leaving it Clare 2-11 Waterford 1-9 at the change of ends.
Waterford introduced Stephen Bennett and DJ Foran at the start of the 2nd period as Noel Connors (injured) and Michael Walsh were withdrawn.
Clare made the brighter start to the second half and hit the ground running with a brace from Tony Kelly and John Conlon.
Waterford lost Darragh Fives and Barry Coughlan due to injuries and they were replaced by Tommy Ryan and Ian Kenny.
Tommy Ryan netted the visitors second goal shortly upon his introduction to leave it a five point game, 2-14 to 2-9.
Clare upped the pace and hit scores at will as John Conlon continued to cause bother for the Déise rearguard.
Waterford were reduced to fourteen men when Kevin Moran was dismissed on a straight red card.
Stephen Bennett and DJ Foran chipped in with a couple of points as Waterford battled away.
Maurice Shanahan ended with 1-6 for the visitors as Tony Kelly hit six in an excellent second half display by the former hurler of the year.
Clare deservedly pickcing up their first points of the campaign, Waterford will have to try pick themselves up ahead of next weekend's trip to the Gaelic Grounds to face Tipperary.
Final Score in Cusack Park, CLARE 2-27 WATERFORD 2-18.
In the curtain raiser, in alively contest there was no joy for the Déise Minor hurlers who had to give best to a sharper Clare side who ran out 3-21 to 2-14 victors.
