Clarke defeat Plunkett in Celtic Challenge John Scott semi-final

Dublin Clarke hurlers saw off the spirited display of Dublin Plunkett in Saturday's Bank of Ireland Celtic Challenge Corn John Scott (U17) semi-final at Ashbourne.

Dublin Clarke progress to next Saturday's Corn John Scott decider in O'Connor Park, Tullamore (time tbc) after this 0-20 to 2-10 victory. They will face Kerry, semi-final winners against Cork City (2-13 to 2-11).

Thanks for the deadball accuracy of Ger Ryan Dublin Clarke looked comfortable enough when leading 0-7 to 0-2 after 20 minutes.

However, two goals in quick succession in the 24th minute saw Dublin Plunkett edge in front in a good physical battle.

The first of the goals came direct from an 80 metre Seán Gallagher free that made its way all the way to the Clarke net.

Within a minute Gallagher repeated the trick when another long range free found the net to see Plunkett into a 2-3 to 0-8 lead.

Points from Jack Murray and a Ryan free saw Clarke regain the lead, 0-10 to 2-3, before Plunkett's Jack O'Shea, who enjoyed an impressive game, showed good footwork before slotting over to bring the sides level.

Just before the interval Jack Kielthy scored a stylish point to see Clarke carry a 0-11 to 2-4 lead into the half-time interval.

Three minutes after the break Daniel Peel converted a massive free for Plunkett but disaster struck for Plunkett's in the 34th minute when Ben Stears, one of the best performers in the tournament to date, was dismissed.

Clarke took advantage with points from Ryan (free), Jack Murray and Matthew Lynam and by the three-quarter mark were 0-16 to 2-5 clear.

Plunkett's battled bravely to the finish with the freetaking of Daniel Peel keeping in touch.

However, Clarke had their own expert deadball proponent in Ger Ryan who saw his side to victory.

DUBLIN CLARKE (Celtic Challenge v Dublin Plunkett)

DUBLIN PLUNKETT (Celtic Challenge v Dublin Clarke)

CELTIC CHALLENGE GROUP C: Results

Round 1: Wexford 0-20 Dublin Plunkett 2-12; Laois 3-18 Offaly 2-15

Round 2: Offaly 2-11 Dublin Plunkett 2-10; Wexford 2-15 Dublin Clarke 1-12

Round 3: Dublin Clarke 1-20 Laois 1-11; Wexford 4-20 Offaly 2-6

Round 4: Dublin Clarke 6-18 Dublin Plunkett 1-16; Wexford 5-21 Laois 2-15

Round 5: Dublin Plunkett 0-23 Laois 3-12; Dublin Clarke 1-19 Offaly 1-15

QUARTER-FINALS  (Corn John Scott)

Dublin Clarke 4-11 Tipperary Blue 2-14

Dublin Plunkett 2-13 Kilkenny Black 1-10

Kerry 2-19 Waterford 3-12

Cork City 1-16 Limerick Treaty 2-11

SEMI-FINALS (Corn John Scott)

Dublin Clarke 0-20 Dublin Plunkett 2-10

Kerry 2-13 Cork City 2-11