Clubs finished top (5)
I believe the answer is:
cover
'top' is the definition.
('cover' can be a synonym of 'top')
'clubs finished' is the wordplay.
'clubs' becomes 'c' (abbreviation used in card games such as bridge).
'finished' becomes 'over' ('over' can be similar in meaning to 'finished').
'c'+'over'='COVER'
(Other definitions for cover that I've seen before include "(Put) lid (on) - fielding position - insurance" , "Sit on - suffice for" , "Protect - insure" , "Encompass" , "Enshroud" .)