Newmarket made it two wins from two in the junior B hurling league when they recorded a narrow victory over Banteer by 1-12 to 1-8 at Newmarket on Wednesday evening.

Newmarket opened the scoring within the first minute when Daniel O’Doherty snapped up possession and struck the ball between the uprights. The Newmarket full back line were busy throughout and early danger was diverted when goalkeeper Nicky Barrett did well to smother a close range save. Banteer found an equalizer from a free in the ninth minute. Both sides were guilty of erratic shooting but a couple of John Lane points gave Newmarket an advantage midway through the half. The next two points were shared as John Lane was again the provider for Newmarket after an excellent solo point. Banteer enjoyed a period of dominance towards the end of the half and three quick points swung the scoreboard in their favour. Robert Stack and Jamie Hayes were outstanding all through but the defence was breached in the twenty sixth minute when a high delivery was well finished to the net from close range. Paul Verling pointed a free for Newmarket as Banteer headed to the interval with an advantage of 1-5 to 0-5.

Newmarket threatened straight from the second half throw in, as a well worked move ended with Shane Murphy thwarted by a fine save from the Banteer goalkeeper. John Scanlon shot over from close range and a John Lane point brought the arrears to just a single point. Banteer added their first point of the half in the twelfth minute but the game turned in the Newmarket’s favour at the end of third quarter. On this occasion Shane Murphy was not to be denied as following a solo run he drilled an unstoppable shot high into the net from twenty yards. Newmarket gained the upper hand as John Lane continued his scoring spree and the hard working Eddie Allen got a well deserved point as Newmarket hit a goal and four points in succession. Banteer came with a late flourish and although they added two points the Newmarket defence had to be on top form to keep their goal intact. Having weathered the late comeback, John Lane ensured victory with a pointed free to see Newmarket over the finish line.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

John Lane (0-8), Shane Murphy (1-1), John Scanlon (0-1), Paul Verling (0-1), Eddie Allen (0-1), Daniel O’Doherty (0-1)

Nicky Barrett
Liam Birthley		Robert Stack		Jamie Hayes
Eoin O'Connell		Brendan Stack		Nicky Flanagan
	John Lane		Eddie Allen
Daniel O'Doherty		Shane Murphy		David Quinlan
Donnacha Fitzpatrick		John Scanlon		Paul Verling
Subs: Jeremy Murphy