The Junior B Hurlers got their campaign underway on Tuesday evening, the 21st of March, away to Banteer.

The home side struck first, opening the scoring with an early goal. A trio of points from Gavin Forde and another from his midfield partner Ethan Hourigan, meant the sides were level 0-04 to 1-01 at the ten minute mark. Neither side could gain a competitive advantage with points from Darren O’Keeffe (2), Paddy Browne and Jack O’Connor ensuring the tie remained balanced at 0-08 to 1-05 entering the closing period of the first half. A late flurry of scores from Kevin Daly (2) and Gavin Forde (2) put daylight between the teams for the first time, with Newmarket leading 0-12 to 1-05 at the break.

The visitors pushed ahead in the opening exchanges of the second period with scores from Paddy Browne, Kevin O’Sullivan, John Ryan (2), Darren O’Keeffe and Jack O’Connor handing Newmarket a strong 0-18 to 1-06 lead, with 45 minutes played. The game was sealed within 60 seconds when substitute Rory Lynn bagged two quick-fire goals, shortly after being introduced. A Jack O’Connor point on 53 minutes completed Newmarket’s tally as they ran out 2-19 to 1-11 winners on the night.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

Rory Lynn (2-00), Gavin Forde (0-05, 4f), Jack O’Connor (0-03), Darren O’Keeffe (0-03), Paddy Browne (0-02), Kevin Daly (0-02), John Ryan (0-02), Ethan Hourigan (0-01), Kevin O’Sullivan (0-01).

Shane McAuliffe
Donnacha Fitzpatrick		Josh O'Keeffe		Jack O'Connor
Michael Lane		John Ryan		Daniel Norton
	Gavin Forde		Ethan Hourigan
Kevin O'Sullivan		Paudie O'Sullivan		Paddy Browne
Kevin Daly		Colin O'Sullivan		Darren O'Keeffe
Subs: Robert Stack, Rory Lynn, Paul Verling, Pete Goggin, Eddie Allen