Dr Crokes survive huge scare against Rathgormack to book Munster final spot

Rathgormack 0-08 Dr Crokes 0-09

Dr. Crokes are through to another Munster Senior Club Football Championship Final - however they were made to work for victory as Rathgormack of Waterford almost sprung an almighty surprise.

Crokes prevailed by the minimum at Fraher Field - and largely had goalkeeper Shane Murphy to thank for their progression.

Back-to-back Deise champions Rathgormack went into the game bidding to become the first Waterford side to reach the decider since 2016 - while Crokes were in the ascendancy having knocked out holders Castlehaven, and they firmly had their sights set on Munster title number nine.

Not since 2007 had a Waterford side saw off a Kerry side in this championship - but Rathgormack made a spirited attempt from the offset to rewrite the history books.

The Waterford champions hit the front early on through a fine effort from distance by Conor Murray, and another well-taken score by James Power either side of a Tony Brosnan free summed up their bright start after six minutes. Brosnan soon equalised and from there on in, the 8-time Munster champions moved ahead.

Back-to-back scores from Micheal Burns kicked Crokes 0-04 to 0-02 in front, but Jason Curry's strike from 45 metres again reduced arrears to the minimum. Brosnan was on target with the dead ball again, but James Power kicked through the crowd for his second white flag of the afternoon to remind those present that they were going nowhere. A superbly worked team move from Dr. Crokes moved them back two points ahead before a Jason Gleeson free - but Maidhcí Lynch combined superbly with Gavin O’Shea to open his account right before the interval, 0-07 to 0-05 at half time - but it was all still to play for.

The visitors had the advantage of the