REBELS SHOOT DOWN BANNER IN NHL OPENER

Cork 2-30 Clare 2-21

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CORK got off to a winning start in Division 1 Group A of the Allianz HL as Clare were seen off at Páirc Uí Chaoimh last night.

The Rebels - starting with nine of the team that began last August's All-Ireland final loss to Limerick - didn't lead until Tim O'Mahony's 26th-minute strike put them 1-10 to PORT SPEC 1-9 in front.

But nine more unanswered points had Kieran Kingston's side in a commanding position by half-time and they were never going to be overhauled in the second half.

There were 12 different scorers for Cork, who had the luxury of being able to keep Patrick Horgan in reserve (inset).

The opening quarter suggested that a Clare side without Tony Kelly and John Conlan might make things difficult for their hosts.