Newmarket were first to score with Paul Verling converting a long range free in the opening minute. Kilbrin were level within a minute before they added two further points by the seventh minute. Paul Verling was again on target with a well converted twelfth minute free as Newmarket cut the deficit to a point. Kilbrin were guilty of hitting a succession of wides during the first half but they still scored heavily. They had the next two points but Paul Verling kept Newmarket in touch with another brace of points to leave to score at 0-5 to 0-4 after twenty minutes. Kilbrin found a way past Newmarket’s excellent goalkeeper Shane McAuliffe, for the first time with a twenty third minute goal and they gathered momentum to add a further two points. A second goal followed as the half came to a conclusion and a Michael Kenneally point was Newmarket’s solitary reply in between another pair of Kilbrin points which gave them a commanding advantage of 2-9 to 0-5 at half time.

Kilbrin assumed further control on adding three points after the restart before the industrious and hard working Eddie Allen pointed for Newmarket. Kilbrin pointed again before Newmarket’s endeavour was rewarded with Robert Stack on hand to finish to the net from close range following a goalmouth scramble which resulted from a free which dropped close to goal. Kilbrin closed out victory on adding three points before the conclusion with Robert Stack on target with a point for Newmarket.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

Robert Stack (1-1), Paul Verling (0-4), Eddie Allen (0-1), Michael Kenneally (0-1).

Shane McAuliffe
Paudie Allen		John McSweeney		Billy Lane
Donnacha Fitzpatrick		Michael O’Leary		Anthony Crowley
	Eddie Allen		Michael Kenneally
Jacko Flaherty		Brendan Stack		Billy Daly
David Quinlan		Robert Stack		Paul Verling
Subs: Gavin Forde, Kieran Lehane, Danny O’Connell, Denis McCarthy, Matthew Fitzpatrick

Newmarket had to field without four players who played a huge part in their victory in the previous round but the team showed great spirit and resolve for much of the game. The prolific Paul Verling opened the scoring with a well pointed free in the first minute. Castlemagner added two points before Paul Verling restored parity in the seventh minute. Castlemagner hit the front when they scored the games opening goal midway through the half. Newmarket were grateful for the accuracy of Paul Verling who converted his third point in the eighteenth minute. Newmarket competed admirably with Billy Lane, Anthony Crowley and Shane Anthony Murphy to the fore in defence. As the half entered the closing minutes, Castlemagner hit a purple scoring patch on adding four points in quick succession. Paul Verling completed the scoring for the half as Castlemagner turned over in front by 1-6 to 0-4.

Castlemagner increased their advantage within a minute of the restart but Newmarket hit back in fine style. A fine team effort was rewarded with four points in a five minute spell as Paul Verling added three further points to his tally and Eddie Allen found the target with a well taken score to cut the deficit to two points. Castlemagner hit a point before a minute later the game turned on a pivotal second goal which turned the outcome considerably in the victors favour. Paul Verling added his eighth point of the evening but Castlemagner took a stranglehold on the contest for the remainder of the hour as they went on to add one goal and seven points without reply. 

The Newmarket team and scorers…

Paul Verling (0-8), Eddie Allen (0-1).

John Scanlon
Donnacha Fitzpatrick		John McSweeney		Billy Lane
Shane A Murphy		Anthony Crowley		Nicky Barrett
	Eddie Allen		Donnacha O'Dea
Patrick Kelly		David Quinlan		Jack Birthley
Danny O'Connell		Kieran Lehane		Paul Verling
Subs: Denis McCarthy, Matthew Fitzpatrick

A mixture of youth and experience worked well on the night and Newmarket’s ability to convert goal chances proved key to their success.

Newmarket took the lead in the first minute when Colin Stack pointed from a rebounded effort for a point. This was quickly followed by an Ian Flanagan free in the second minute. The first ten minutes set the tone for the rest of the match, a tight affair in which both teams showed great commitment and effort.

It was the tenth minute when Lismire registered their first point of the game from a placed ball. Newmarket replied instantly when David Quinlan scored a long range point. The first of Newmarket’s crucial goals came in the thirteenth minute when after a Kieran Lehane delivery, Colin Stack was out in front to gather possession, a quick turn and solo run was finished to the net via the left leg and Newmarket took up a prominent position. Lismire responded instantly with another free. A Nicky Barrett point followed to leave Newmarket in a lead of 1-4 to 0-2 after the first quarter. Lismire mounted a comeback and scored the next three points to leave two between the sides.

Newmarket were lucky to escape and had it not been for custodian John Scanlon in goals Lismire could have taken the lead. Ian Flanagan converted a free to halt the Lismire progress but only momentarily as they responded with two more points to leave just a single point between the sides. Ian Flanagan once more pointed on the stroke of halftime to leave Newmarket leading at the interval, 1-6 to 0-7 after an entertaining half of hurling.

The second half began as the first half did with a Colin Stack score; a second goal for Newmarket from close range gave them some breathing space once again, 2-6 to 0-7 after 33 minutes. A scoreless spell until the tenth minute ensued. Lismire then began to get a grip on proceedings and scored three more frees in five minutes to leave the score 2-6 to 0-10 at the three quarter stage.

Once again it was Ian Flanagan who ended Newmarket’s barren spell with a great individual point but again Lismire hit back with two points to leave just the minimum between the sides with 10 minutes remaining. This proved to be Lismire final score of the game. On 21 minutes Colin Stack completed his hat-trick with an overhead pull to finish to the back of the net. Ian Flanagan completed the scoring with two more frees and give Newmarket victory in a hard fought game of hurling, 3-9 to 0-12.

Newmarket were well served in defence on the night with a very solid defence in which full back Kieran Hayes had a fine game along with excellent defending and distribution from Shane Anthony Murphy. Ian Flanagan got some vital scores when Newmarket were under pressure. Up front Colin Stack proved instrumental chipping in with a tally of 3-1. Overall a committed and hard working Newmarket side can be happy with their efforts.
 

The Newmarket team and scorers…

Colin Stack (3-1), Ian Flanagan (0-6), David Quinlan (0-1), Nicky Barrett (0-1).

John Scanlon
Donnacha Fitzpatrick		Kieran Hayes		Billy Lane
Shane A Murphy		Anthony Crowley		Bryan O'Connell
	Ian Flanagan		Eddie Allen
Patrick Kelly		David Quinlan		Kieran Lehane
Nicky Barrett		Colin Stack		Danny O'Connell
Subs: Sean Irwin, Mattie Fitzpatrick, Allan Dugdale, Gerry Murphy, Luke McCarthy

The Kilbrin onslaught began from the outset with the first point arriving in the second minute. By the tenth minute Kilbrin had five points on the board before John Lane got Newmarket off the mark with a pointed free in the tenth minute. Kilbrin added a point before striking for a goal midway through the half by which stage the outcome began to look ominous. Three further points followed before John Lane had Newmarket’s second score of the half. Newmarket failed to make any impact as Kilbrin blitzed their opponents with some sparkling scores. John Ryan added a further Newmarket point before the interval but a rampant Kilbrin turned over in front by a whopping 1-17 to 0-3.

Kilbrin added to their big tally within a minute of the restart before Newmarket’s talisman John Lane added two points. Kilbrin replied with four more unanswered points and were it not for the outstanding form of Newmarket goalkeeper Shane McAuliffe throughout and at times some wayward shooting the outcome could have been even worse. John Lane added to his tally before a brief respite arrived midway through the half when Michael Kenneally got a finishing touch to a John Lane delivery for a Newmarket goal. The sides shared the next four points with John Lane on target with another brace of points. Newmarket maintained an improved effort with three more points before the finish with John Lane twice either side of a superb individual point from Colin O’Sullivan proving scant consolation of a very disappointing evening for the club.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

John Lane (0-9), Colin O’Sullivan (0-1), Michael Kenneally (1-0), John Ryan (0-1).

Shane McAuliffe
Michael O’Leary		Brendan Stack		Nicky Flanagan
Timothy Murphy		Kevin O'Sullivan		Niall O’Connor
	Tony O'Keeffe		John Lane
Colin O'Sullivan		Shane Murphy		Jonathan Flaherty
John Ryan		Michael Kenneally		Barry O'Leary
Subs: Billy Daly.

Newmarket got off to a flying start when the outstanding Barry O’Leary pointed in the opening stages, however they were dealt a blow with Freemount finding the net moments later. Tony O’Keeffe reduced the arrears before two Freemount points gave them a clear three point lead by the tenth minute. A tough and uncompromising encounter developed with both sides up to the task of championship fervour.

The accuracy of John Ryan from placed balls was a feature of the half and he split the posts on two occasions midway through the half as Newmarket gained momentum. Freemount responded and answered with two points to restore their advantage of three points.

As the game entered the final ten minutes of the half, Newmarket scored their first goal of the evening. A fine build up involving John Ryan and Kevin O’Sullivan picked out half forward Jonathan Flaherty, one of five starting debutants on the night and he took on the Freemount rearguard with a typical rampaging run before clipping the ball to the net past the Freemount custodian. This tied the scores for the first time at 1-4 apiece and while Freemount had the next score, Newmarket grew in confidence that stemmed from the defence. The full back line of young Padraig Allen, Brendan Stack and Nicky Flanagan impressed while at the other end John Ryan hit two superb pointed frees, the second of which gave Newmarket the lead for the first time and left them in front at the turnover, 1-6 to 1-5.

Buoyed on by their first half display, Newmarket resumed in fine form as Michael Kenneally and Barry O’Leary increased the advantage with two well struck points within three minutes. The game was littered with stoppages, as injuries played a big part throughout, with three Newmarket players having to depart the fray due to the nature of injuries suffered.

Freemount gained the authority and five unanswered points edged them in front again at the three quarter mark. As the injuries began to take their toll, Newmarket received a timely boost as a long delivery from distance by Barry O’Leary found the net to overturn the lead again, 2-8 to 1-10.

Newmarket’s joy was short lived however as a minute later a breaking ball in the goalmouth was whipped to the net to put Freemount in poll position again. Freemount reigned in on victory as they reeled off three quickfire points. Once again for Newmarket it was Barry O’Leary who drew inspiration as he pointed. The sides then traded points as John Ryan cut the deficit to four points late in the contest but Freemount ensured progression on adding a further point and seal a semi final place.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

Barry O’Leary (1-3), John Ryan (0-5), Jonathan Flaherty (1-0), Tony O’Keeffe (0-1), Michael Kenneally (0-1).

Shane McAuliffe
Paudie Allen		Brendan Stack		Nicky Flanagan
Shane Murphy		Kevin O'Sullivan		Robert Stack
	Timothy Murphy		Conor Cronin
John Ryan		Tony O'Keeffe		Jonathan Flaherty
John Lane		Michael Kenneally		Barry O'Leary
Subs: Gavin Forde, Pa O’Brien, Seanie Francis O’Connor, Niall O’Connor, David Enright

Newmarket began brightly as John Lane and Colin O’Sullivan pointed within six minutes. Meelin scored their first point in the twelfth minute in the midst of a heavy downpour with Jonathan Flaherty making light of the conditions by pointing from a difficult angle a minute later. Meelin were next to score but midway through the half, Newmarket corner forward Barry O’Leary gathered possession and crashed an unstoppable shot to the roof of the net for the games first goal. A scoreless ten minute spell followed as both sides missed a number of good scoring chances in the poor conditions. As the half entered the closing minutes, Meelin finished very strongly. Three points followed in as many minutes before the productive period ended with a telling goal in the final minute of the half. Newmarket did have time to register another point with Kevin O’Sullivan on target from a long range free to leave Meelin in front by 1-5 to 1-4 at the halfway mark.

Meelin stretched their advantage within three minutes of the restart before John Ryan pointed for Newmarket two minutes later. In their next attack, Newmarket regained parity with John Ryan converting a free. Twelve minutes into the half Shane Murphy edged Newmarket in front but the lead was short lived as Meelin equalized from the resultant puckout to leave the score at 1-7 apiece. Meelin seized the initiative at this stage and a brace of points forged them in front again. John Lane reduced the lead to a minimum again with little over ten minutes remaining, but this proved to be Newmarket’s final score of the contest. Meelin pointed before a match clinching second goal followed with little over six minutes to play. The visitors sealed their victory with a further point towards the end to claim a place in the final.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

Barry O’Leary (1-0), John Ryan (0-2), John Lane (0-2), Kevin O’Sullivan (0-1), Shane Murphy (0-1), Jonathan Flaherty (0-1), Colin O’Sullivan (0-1).

Shane McAuliffe
Michael O’Leary		Brendan Stack		Paudie Allen
Michael Kenneally		Kevin O'Sullivan		Robert Stack
	Tony O'Keeffe		Shane Murphy
Jonathan Flaherty		Colin O'Sullivan		John Ryan
Barry O'Leary		Billy Daly		John Lane
Subs: Nicky Flanagan, Ian Flanagan, David Quinlan, Timothy Murphy.

In a game played in blustery cold and at times wet conditions, Lismire opened the scoring with a point in the seventh minute. Newmarket tied the scores in the next minute through Paul Verling before points from Billy Daly and Conor Cronin gave Newmarket a two point lead midway through the half. Lismire replied as they reeled off three points in succession to regain the lead. The scoring rate increased towards the end of the half. Gavin Forde brought Newmarket on terms with a converted free but Lismire edged in front moments later. The half concluded well for Newmarket as Gavin Forde added two late points to gain a narrow lead of 0-6 to 0-5.

The second half got off to a flying start as Newmarket centre half back, Michael Kenneally rampaged forward on a memorable solo run before supplying an equally spectacular finish for a superbly taken point. Conditions deteriorated and scoring opportunities became few a far between at this stage, though Newmarket were more guilty as the number of wides added up.

As the third quarter came to a conclusion, a dangerously delivered ball by Gavin Forde across to face of the Lismire goal found Paul Verling on hand to supply the finishing touch to the back of the net. Lismire scored their first point of the half after eighteen minutes but Gavin Forde restored a five point advantage on converting a free with nine minutes remaining. Newmarket dealt with the Lismire challenge with Paudie Allen and Robert Stack to the fore in defence and Gavin Forde added to his own personal tally by slotting over his sixth point of the game as the game entered the closing minutes. Lismire were committed to the end and a couple of late points ensured that Newmarket had to hold firm to the very end to ensure victory.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

Gavin Forde (0-6), Paul Verling (1-1), Michael Kenneally (0-1), Conor Cronin (0-1), Billy Daly (0-1).

Shane McAuliffe
Paudie Allen		Brendan Stack		Michael O’Leary
David Enright		Michael Kenneally		Robert Stack
	Eddie Allen		Conor Cronin
David Quinlan		Billy Daly		Jonathan Flaherty
Gavin Forde		John McSweeney		Paul Verling
Subs:

Newmarket were first off the mark when full forward John McSweeney saw his goalbound effort narrowly graze the crossbar for a point in the fourth minute. Castlemagner replied instantly within seconds, from the puckout as they struck for a fine goal and added a further two points to establish a four point lead.

Newmarket had their second point courtesy of David Quinlan before Conor Cronin who gave a superb display from long distance placed balls had his first point of the night. Newmarket were in full flow at this stage of the game and they made their dominance show on the scoreboard. Gavin Forde scored two fine points from play either side of two converted frees from distance by Conor Cronin as Newmarket forged into the lead. Paul Verling added Newmarket’s seventh point in succession to give the home side a lead of 0-8 to 1-2 by the nineteenth minute. Castlemagner ended their scoreless spell with a point but again, Conor Cronin was unerring with another two well struck points. As a high scoring first half came to a conclusion, Castlemagner struck three points in rapid time before Conor Cronin pointed for the sixth time in the half. A closing point to Castlemagner left the minimum of margins between the sides at the turnover as Newmarket held a slender lead of 0-11 to 1-7.

Castlemagner pointed within two minutes of the restart to tie the contest for a second time but significantly, Newmarket responded with Paul Verling on hand to finish to the net from close range following a goalmouth scramble in the next minute. The sides traded points as Gavin Forde maintained a three point advantage for Newmarket. The crucial moment of the contest came six minutes into the half as Newmarket were awarded a close in free. Gavin Forde stood up and drilled the resultant free to the roof of the Castlemagner net despite a posse of defenders on the goal line. When Gavin Forde again found the target from a free, Newmarket enjoyed a seven point advantage, 2-13 to 1-9 after eleven minutes of the half.

Faced with an uphill task, Castlemagner proceeded to slowly take control of the game for the remainder of the contest. Four points followed but luckily for Newmarket despite the heroic efforts of their defensive rearguard led by the leadership of Brendan Stack and  Paudie Allen, Castlemagner also saw a succession of efforts waved wide. As the pressure of the challenge escalated, Newmarket manfully held firm and a grateful respite came courtesy of a Paul Verling point as the game entered injury time. There was still time for Castlemagner to muster a few more attacks and a close in free resulted in a late point but Newmarket had just done enough to hold out for a fine win.
 
The Newmarket team and scorers…

Gavin Forde (1-4), Conor Cronin (0-6), Paul Verling (1-2), David Quinlan (0-1), John McSweeney (0-1).

Shane McAuliffe
Paudie Allen		Brendan Stack		Michael O’Leary
Billy Daly		Michael Kenneally		Robert Stack
	Eddie Allen		Conor Cronin
Jonathan Flaherty		David Quinlan		David Enright
Paul Verling		John McSweeney		Gavin Forde
Subs:

Newmarket got off to the worst possible start when Banteer found the net within two minutes. John Lane pointed in the fourth minute with Banteer adding their first point of the game a minute later. The sides shared four points by the eleventh minute as two pointed frees from John Ryan left the score reading 1-3 to 0-3. John Ryan was again on target from a free before Banteer engineered a well worked goal with three points adding to a sizeable advantage. Brendan Stack impressed in the Newmarket attack and he scored a well taken point with Barry O’Leary repeating the feat a minute later to leave the score reading 2-6 to 0-6 by the twenty first minute. Banteer were next to score but Brendan Stack and John Lane brought Newmarket to within five points. Banteer scored two of the final three points of the half with John Lane getting his third point of the game which left the score reading 2-9 to 0-9 at half time.

Banteer began the second half with three unanswered points before John Lane scored two fine points within a minute for Newmarket. The next two points were divided with John Lane again on target which left the score at 2-13 to 0-12 with thirteen minutes remaining. Banteer increased their lead on adding the next two points before Donnacha Fitzpatrick found the target for Newmarket, eight minutes from time. Banteer scored next but the prolific John Lane replied with two more points of his own. The final two points were shared with John Lane again the Newmarket marksman as a free scoring contest came to a conclusion.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

John Lane (0-9), John Ryan (0-3), Brendan Stack (0-2), Barry O’Leary (0-1), Donnacha Fitzpatrick (0-1).

Shane McAuliffe
Michael O’Leary		Billy Daly		Nicky Flanagan
Gavin Forde		Kevin O'Sullivan		Shane Murphy
	Colin O'Sullivan		Jonathan Flaherty
John Ryan		Brendan Stack		David Quinlan
Barry O'Leary		Robert Stack		John Lane
Subs: Niall O’Connor, Paudie Allen, Michael Kenneally, Donnacha Fitzpatrick, Eddie Allen.

The game began very brightly as four points were shared within the first eight minutes as Kevin O’Sullivan and John Ryan brought Newmarket level on two occasions. However, even as early as the sixth minute, Newmarket were given an indication of what to expect when outstanding young goalkeeper Shane McAuliffe produced a stunning double save to keep his goal in tact. Tullylease did find a way past the Newmarket goalkeeper in their next attack as they opened up the defence. The home side were relentless and three further points gave them a lead of 1-5 to 0-2 after fifteen minutes. Newmarket simply had no answer to Tullylease as they swept forward in a procession of attacks which yielded another four points without reply.

Newmarket gained a reprieve in the twenty third minute when John Ryan pointed but despite the continuing heroics of Shane McAuliffe, Tullylease crashed home a second goal from close range. Two points were exchanged before the end of the half as John Ryan again converted a free which left the score at half time reading 2-10 to 0-4 in favour of Tullylease.

Tullylease were first to point after the restart with John Lane answering with a point for Newmarket. The sides swapped the next four points with John Ryan and Kevin O’Sullivan on target for Newmarket. As the game entered the final quarter, Newmarket offered a slight improvement with John Lane and John Ryan twice pointing but Tullylease also had two further points to seal a comfortable victory and qualification for the latter stages of the league.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

John Ryan (0-6), John Lane (0-2), Kevin O’Sullivan (0-2).

Shane McAuliffe
Michael O’Leary		Billy Daly		Nicky Flanagan
Michael Kenneally		Kevin O'Sullivan		Conor Cronin
	Barry O'Leary		Colin O'Sullivan
John Ryan		Jonathan Flaherty		Tony O'Keeffe
Donnacha Fitzpatrick		Robert Stack		John Lane
Subs: Timothy Murphy, David Enright, Niall O’Connor,Gavin Forde, David Quinlan

Newmarket were quickly off the mark thanks to well struck points from John Lane and Robert Stack by the third minute. Kilgarvan recorded their first point in the sixth minute. Newmarket saw a number of scoring chances go astray before John Lane and Tony O’Keeffe added to the tally. Kilgarvan added two scores to cut the deficit to a single point, 0-4 to 0-3 after seventeen minutes. Newmarket took a firm grip of the contest at this stage as an array of points followed. John Ryan scored four points with other points coming from John Lane, Barry O’Leary and Jonathan Flaherty as seven successive points gave Newmarket an advantage of 0-11 to 0-3 at the halfway mark.

As the second half resumed, Newmarket maintained their dominance. Donnacha Fitzpatrick clipped over a neatly taken point within a minute with John Ryan, Barry O’Leary and John Ryan again all on target within five minutes of the restart. John Lane added a brace of points as the game went into the final fifteen minutes. Tony O’Keeffe and a long distance point from substitute David Quinlan further stamped Newmarket’s authority on the game as they amassed fifteen points in total without reply. Kilgarvan did threaten to breakthrough for a goal on several occasions but found Newmarket’s goalkeeper Shane McAuliffe in outstanding form with the full back line of Michael O’Leary, Billy Daly and Nicky Flanagan also in commanding form. Kilgarvan were awarded a penalty three minutes from time but the goal bound strike was turned over the bar with an excellent stop from Shane McAuliffe. As the final whistle blew, Newmarket were left to reflect on a fine win with eight different players getting on the scoresheet.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

John Ryan (0-6), John Lane (0-5), Barry O’Leary (0-2), Tony O’Keeffe (0-2), Jacko Flaherty (0-1), Robert Stack (0-1), Donnacha Fitzpatrick (0-1), David Quinlan (0-1).

Shane McAuliffe
Michael O’Leary		Billy Daly		Nicky Flanagan
Conor Cronin		Kevin O'Sullivan		Shane Murphy
	Colin O'Sullivan		Barry O'Leary
Jacko Flaherty		Tony O'Keeffe		John Ryan
John Lane		Robert Stack		Donnacha Fitzpatrick
Subs: Gavin Forde, David Enright, David Quinlan.

Freemount opened the scoring on pointing within the first minute. Newmarket enjoyed territorial advantage for various periods of time in the first half but failed to capitalize on the scoreboard. John Lane did get Newmarket on level terms with a seventh minute point but Freemount were more productive in front of goal and they responded on adding two points in as many minutes. Seven minutes lapsed without a score before Freemount increased their advantage. Newmarket replied within a minute with a well converted point from distance through Colin O’Sullivan. Freemount again took their advantage to three points before Newmarket were rewarded for their attacking endeavours with a goal in the twenty second minute. A long distance free from the impressive Kevin O’Sullivan dropped dangerously towards the Freemount goalmouth and in the scramble that resulted, Niall O’Connor nipped in to flick an equalizing goal to the back of the net. Freemount reacted in fine style and reeled off five points in as many minutes to assume control. The half ended with John Ryan converting a free for Newmarket to leave the half time scoreline reading 0-10 to 1-3 in favour of Freemount.

John Lane reduced the arrears with a well taken point within a minute of the resumption but Freemount added the next two points to their tally. Newmarket grew in stature and two points from John Lane left the score reading 0-12 to 1-6 as the game entered the final quarter. Freemount took their lead to four but Newmarket remained in contention as substitute Tony O’Keeffe pointed with eleven minutes remaining. Newmarket assumed the ascendancy as a lively encounter developed at this stage. John Ryan pointed a free and when Tony O’Keeffe added his second point, only a single point separated the sides with three minutes remaining. Freemount turned the screw and were next to score courtesy of a point. As the contest ended the final stages the home side sealed victory with a well struck overhead goal from close range to put the issue beyond Newmarket and confirm the points for Freemount.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

John Lane (0-4), Niall O’Connor (1-0), John Ryan (0-2), Tony O’Keeffe (0-2), Colin O’Sullivan (0-1).

Shane McAuliffe
Michael O’Leary		Billy Daly		Pa O’Brien
Barry O'Leary		Kevin O'Sullivan		Timothy Murphy
	John Ryan		Shane Murphy
Conor Cronin		Colin O'Sullivan		Jacko Flaherty
Niall O’Connor		John Lane		Nicky Flanagan
Subs: Tony O'Keeffe, Robert Stack, Gavin Forde, Donnacha Fitzpatrick

John Lane set the trend for the evening with a quality point within two minutes with Kanturk answering with two points in quick succession. Newmarket regained the lead in the seventh minute when full forward Niall O’Connor was on hand to find the net from close range with the impressive Jonathan Flaherty pointing to increase the advantage. Kanturk gained parity as a result of a thirteenth minute goal before a Shane Murphy point gave Newmarket a lead of 1-3 to 1-2 after fourteen minutes play. Kanturk pounced for a second goal but Newmarket pointed next with a well taken score from Danny O’Connell. Newmarket regained the lead once more in the twenty second minute when the industrious Jonathan Flaherty placed John Lane in on goal and he found the net for a second goal. An end to end contest continued and points were exchanged with Jonathan Flaherty again on target for Newmarket. The half concluded with Kanturk adding two points, which left the teams level for a third time, 2-5 apiece at the turnover.

Kanturk resumed with two points before Niall O’Connor pointed a free in the seventh minute of the half. Kanturk hit back with a point before increasing their advantage thanks to a third goal. Niall O’Connor again found the target from a free but Kanturk stretched their lead to six points thanks to another brace of points. Kanturk took a commanding position as a result of a fourth goal of the evening as again Newmarket relied on Niall O’Connor to stay in touch with another two points. The high rate of scoring continued to the end. Kanturk pointed on three further occasions as Newmarket added to their tally through a John Lane point and a fine individual goal from Jonathan Flaherty.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

Niall O’Connor (1-4), John Lane (1-2), Jonathan Flaherty (1-2), Shane Murphy (0-1), Danny O’Connell (0-1).

Shane McAuliffe
Michael O’Leary		Billy Daly		Nicky Barrett
Paudie Allen		Michael Kenneally		Robert Stack
	John Lane		Shane Murphy
Donnacha Fitzpatrick		Jonathan Flaherty		Eddie Allen
Luke McCarthy		Niall O’Connor		Danny O'Connell
Subs: Billy Lane.

Meelin began brightly and took an early two point lead. Newmarket were guilty of hitting a succession of wides during the half and were made to pay as Meelin added a third point in the eleventh minute. Newmarket eventually got off the mark a minute later when John Lane pointed after forging out a chance for himself. John Ryan converted a free before Meelin added to their tally after nineteen minutes. Conor Cronin pointed spectacularly from an impossible angle before John Lane tied the sides for the first time at 0-4 apiece after twenty two minutes. The sides again traded points as Conor Cronin restored parity for Newmarket as the half came to a conclusion. Meelin forged in front again before Newmarket received a major boost in the last moments of the half. Colin O’Sullivan launched a high dropping ball that fell on the edge of the Meelin square and John Lane was on hand to supply a finish to the net as Newmarket took the lead for the first time, 1-5 to 0-6 at the end of the opening half.

Newmarket resumed with John Lane pointing smartly from play before John Ryan added a sublime point from distance with a sideline cut in the sixth minute. Meelin had the next score but a John Ryan free restored a four point advantage for the home team. Meelin added the next point but as the game entered the final quarter, Newmarket assumed the ascendancy and the scores followed as a result. John Lane and John Ryan pointed before Newmarket were awarded a penalty with eight minutes remaining. John Lane pointed the resultant penalty to stretch the lead to five points. A minute later, Newmarket having seen a few previous goal scoring chances come to nothing, found the net for a second time when Conor Cronin whipped the ball superbly to the bottom corner of the net from fourteen yards. The confidence flowed as substitutes Tony O’Keeffe and Niall O’Connor made telling contributions as they both added to the scoreboard.

As the game came to a conclusion Meelin replied with a whirlwind finish as two quickfire goals found the net before the home side held on for the win.

The Newmarket team and scorers…
John Lane (1-5), Conor Cronin (1-2), John Ryan (0-4), Tony O’Keeffe (0-1), Niall O’Connor (0-1).

Subs:

Faced to lineout without a few key players due to injury, Newmarket faced a very difficult task from the outset. The opening score of the game came in the fourth minute with Millstreet pointing and they repeated this a minute later. A commanding beginning by the home side was further strengthened by a goal and a ninth minute point. Gavin Forde scored Newmarket’s first point of the game on converting a long range free in the fifteenth minute but the home side got through a battling Newmarket rearguard for a second goal in the nineteenth minute. They added another two points before striking a third goal to take a very commanding advantage. To their credit, Newmarket battled gamely and were led by some excellent displays in defence from Paudie Allen and Nicky Barrett while Billy Daly battled tirelessly for the team. The half ended with Gavin Forde pointing for a second time before the outstanding Jacko Flaherty also pointed to leave Newmarket trailing, 3-5 to 0-3 at half time.

Millstreet resumed the second half by adding five points to their tally in a nine minute spell before substitute Con McAuliffe added a fine point after some trojan play from Jack Birtley. Newmarket grew in confidence as Gavin Forde pointed before Eddie Allen struck a fine finish to the net after being set up by the influential Jonathan Flaherty. Millsteet had the next point but Conor Cronin also found the target from a long range free. As the game entered the final ten minutes the sides went on to share the last four points as Newmarket added to their tally through Jonathan Flaherty and Gavin Forde as they put up a battling display to the very end.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

Gavin Forde (0-4), Eddie Allen (1-0), Jacko Flaherty (0-2), Con McAuliffe (0-1), Conor Cronin (0-1).

Shane McAuliffe
Paudie Allen		Billy Daly		Nicky Barrett
Michael O’Leary		Conor Cronin		Jack Birthley
	Patrick Kelly		Gavin Forde
Eddie Allen		Jacko Flaherty		Kieran Lehane
Vinny Molloy		Denis McCarthy		Paul Verling
Subs: Con McAuliffe, Billy Lane, Luke McCarthy, Danny O’Connell.

Kevin O’Sullivan opened the scoring on pointing a free from distance within a minute of the throw in. Millstreet hit a few early wides before John Lane increased Newmarket’s lead on scoring his first point of the night in the fifth minute.

Millstreet found the target for the first time in the tenth minute and tied the sides for the first time a minute later. The visitors were in a fine vein of form at this stage and three further points in as many minutes gave them a three point advantage after fifteen minutes. Newmarket responded and the prolific John Lane added two converted frees in as many minutes to cut the deficit back to a single point. As the half entered the closing minutes, Millstreet added a couple of points before Barry O’Leary pointed for Newmarket. The home side saw a few opportunities go wide at this stage before Millstreet completed the half with a point, to turnover with a lead of 0-8 to 0-5.

Newmarket began the second half well and John Lane added to his increasing tally with two early points. Kevin O’Sullivan, who had a commanding presence at centre half back, pointed a free from distance and restored parity at 0-8 apiece by the fifth minute of the half. Newmarket suffered a setback two minutes later when despite some resolute defending, Millstreet found a way through the rearguard to finish to the net for the games only goal. John Lane replied with a point, but two Millstreet points doubled their advantage to four points by the end of the third quarter.

Newmarket showed admirable determination at this stage and in a six minute spell three John Lane points and another from Conor Cronin had the sides level for a third time, 1-10 to 0-13 with little over eight minutes remaining. Millstreet regained the lead with two points in rapid succession but once again John Lane pointed before Colin O’Sullivan tied proceedings for a fourth time. The visitors again hit the front with two late points but once more Newmarket showed great resolve to reply. Shane Murphy pointed before talisman John Lane kept his composure to point a difficult free in the final cameo of a close and entertaining encounter.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

John Lane (0-11), Kevin O’Sullivan (0-2), Shane Murphy (0-1), Barry O’Leary (0-1), Colin O’Sullivan (0-1), Conor Cronin (0-1).

Shane McAuliffe
Michael Kenneally		Billy Daly		Michael O’Leary
Pa O’Brien		Robert Stack		Shane Murphy
	Kevin O'Sullivan		Barry O'Leary
David Quinlan		Colin O'Sullivan		Conor Cronin
Eddie Allen		John Lane		Donnacha Fitzpatrick
Subs: Nicky Barrett, Niall O’Connor, Paul Verling.

Kilbrin raced into an early lead with two points by the fourth minute before John Ryan got Newmarket on the scoreboard with a well converted long range free. Kilbrin added a brace of points before John Ryan once more was on target from a placed ball. In the tenth minute Colin O’Sullivan slotted over a third Newmarket point but in a flash Kilbrin added to their tally at the other end.

The game flowed with pace from end to end as a highly entertaining game developed. Newmarket’s outstanding performer, Kevin O’Sullivan cut the deficit to a point again on striking a long range point but the visitors responded with a point in their next attack.

Newmarket grew in confidence and this was reflected with points from John Ryan and a fine long range point from Barry O’Leary which tied the sides for the first time at 0-6 apiece in the sixteenth minute. The high scoring rate continued with the sides swapping points as Shane Murphy levelled the game for the second time in the twentieth minute. Newmarket took the lead for the first time thanks to Kevin O’Sullivan but this lasted only moments as Kilbrin replied with a levelling score. The impressive John Ryan displayed his accuracy with two further points but on each occasion Kilbrin answered and as an excellent half of hurling concluded the sides turned over deadlocked at 0-10 apiece having been level on five different occasions during the second quarter.

The second half resumed in similar vein, with Kilbrin edging in front but Shane Murphy struck a fine equalizer from distance for Newmarket. Four minutes into the half Kilbrin found a way through the Newmarket rearguard and a clinical finish provided the first goal of the game. Kilbrin grew in stature and Newmarket struggled at this stage to add to their tally despite their valiant efforts. Kilbrin added three points and by the three quarter stage, they enjoyed a six point advantage, 1-14 to 0-11. Points from John Ryan and Kevin O’Sullivan brought Newmarket to within four points as the game entered the final ten minutes but crucially the next score was a decisive second Kilbrin goal as they took a significant lead. Newmarket did create a couple of clear cut goal scoring chances, one in each half but unfortunately were unable to avail of either. John Ryan had Newmarket’s final score of the game as Kilbrin added three of the last four points of the contest to claim victory.
The Newmarket team and scorers…

John Ryan (0-7), Kevin O’Sullivan (0-3), Shane Murphy (0-2), Barry O’Leary (0-1), Colin O’Sullivan (0-1).

Shane McAuliffe
Michael O’Leary		Billy Daly		Michael Kenneally
Donnacha Fitzpatrick		Kevin O'Sullivan		Robert Stack
	Barry O'Leary		Shane Murphy
Niall O’Connor		Tony O'Keeffe		John Ryan
Eddie Allen		Colin O'Sullivan		Nicky Flanagan
Subs: John Lane, John Scanlon, Paul Verling.

Showery conditions made the going difficult for both sides but Newmarket settled and took the lead when Donal Hannon pointed a third minute free. Two well taken points from long distance within a minute from David Enright and Jacko Flaherty gave Newmarket an excellent start to the contest.

Blackwater Rovers had their first point of the game in the eighth minute and the game swung in their favour when they took the lead on scoring a goal in the sixteenth minute. Newmarket, driven on by the efforts of the outstanding Paudie Allen and fellow defenders Eoin O’Connell, Jamie Hayes and Alan Ryan saw numerous scoring opportunities drop short during the game and they failed to add to their tally for the remainder of the half. Blackwater Rovers increased their advantage on adding two points and as the half concluded they added another brace of scores to enjoy a five point advantage, 1-5 to 0-3 at half time.

Newmarket regrouped and turned in a much better performance as the second half progressed. Donal Hannon was Newmarket’s talisman and he was on target from three frees as Newmarket made significant inroads into their deficit. As the third quarter concluded, Donal Hannon added a fine point from play to leave just a single point between the sides, 1-5 to 0-7. Blackwater Rovers had their first point of the half in the seventeenth minute and a second goal minutes later was a pivotal score. Two further points followed and suddenly, seven points separated the sides. Newmarket again saw chances go a begging before they finished the game in the ascendancy. Donal Hannon scored his sixth point of the game before Jacko Flaherty raced through the opposing rearguard before blasting over the bar for a late consolation score.
The Newmarket team and scorers…

Donal Hannon (0-6), Jacko Flaherty (0-2), David Enright (0-1).

Shane McAuliffe
Eoin O'Connell		Paudie Allen		Jamie Hayes
Billy Lane		Gavin Forde		Alan Ryan
	David Enright		Patrick Kelly
Daniel Culloty		Jacko Flaherty		Vinny Molloy
Luke McCarthy		Donal Hannon		Nicky Barrett
Subs: Michael Cottrell, Daniel O’Doherty.

Newmarket were first off the mark with Gavin Forde slotting over a pointed free in the second minute. The early exchanges were tight all over the field with Kanturk ending a long period of play without a score on pointing an eleventh minute equalizer.

Gavin Forde edged Newmarket in front but Kanturk responded with a point in the sixteenth minute. Paul Verling regained a slender advantage for Newmarket with a well taken point from a narrow angle following a long sideline delivery from Conor Cronin but once again Kanturk gained parity almost instantly. For the fourth time, Newmarket led when Conor Cronin scored a fine point but in following with what had preceded, Kanturk found a levelling score a minute later. As the half entered the closing minutes, Kanturk stepped up the tempo and four quick fire points in six minutes changed the complexion of the scoreboard. Newmarket’s rearguard which played admirably were under incessant pressure and crucially two goals in the dying minutes of the half gave Kanturk a considerable 2-8 to 0-4 half time advantage.

Newmarket resumed with Gavin Forde converting a long range free from midfield within a minute of the restart. Kanturk added three points in succession in a fourteen minute spell as Newmarket competed gamely with their opponents. Ian Flanagan added a brace of Newmarket points as the scoring rate dipped in the second half. The sides went on to share a brace of points with Ian Flanagan on target for a third time. The game concluded with two Kanturk points as they played out the contest.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

Gavin Forde (0-3), Ian Flanagan (0-3), Conor Cronin (0-1), Paul Verling (0-1),

Shane McAuliffe
Michael O’Leary		Billy Daly		Paudie Allen
David Enright		Brendan Stack		Gavin Forde
	Nicky Barrett		Conor Cronin
Kieran Lehane		Jonathan Flaherty		Vinny Molloy
Paul Verling		David Quinlan		Eddie Allen
Subs: Ian Flanagan, Danny O’Connell, Con McAuliffe.

Newmarket playing with the assistance of a first half breeze got off the mark in the second minute when Donal Hannon converted a free. Newmarket defended defiantly in the early stages with Nicky Barrett and Alan Ryan prominent throughout. In the ninth minute Newmarket stretched their lead when a move which was instigated in defence found Jacko Flaherty and he showed great strength and finishing ability to find the target. The first goal of the game arrived in the twelfth minute when Newmarket were awarded a close in free with Donal Hannon stepping up to crash the ball home to give his side a five point advantage.

Banteer sprung into action and opened their scoring with a point in the fourteenth minute before moments later getting right back into contention when a fine solo goal left just a point separating the teams. David Quinlan scored a fine individual point for Newmarket but Banteer responded with a second quick fire goal in the eighteenth minute to take the lead for the first time. Banteer stretched their advantage on scoring a point but Newmarket ensured an entertaining half’s hurling would finish level with Donal Hannon adding a brace of pointed frees, to tie the sides for the first time at 1-5 to 2-2.

The second half resumed in similar entertaining fashion and Newmarket regained the lead within a minute as Donal Hannon pointed sublimely from a sideline cut. Six minutes into the half Banteer were back on level terms when pointing a free and followed up with two points in quick succession to claim a two point lead. Jacko Flaherty scored his second point of the contest to reduce the arrears to a point, 2-5 to 1-7 with ten minutes remaining. The sides then exchanged frees with Donal Hannon finding the target once more with eight minutes to play.

Banteer proved more clinical and two more points gave them a clear lead of 2-8 to 1-8 with little over two minutes left on the watch. As Newmarket pressed forward to rescue the contest they left themselves more exposed in defence and were punished ruthlessly by Banteer as two goals within a minute crushed Newmarket’s hopes and Banteer sealed victory.

The Newmarket team was…

Shane McAuliffe
	Paudie Allen		Alan Ryan
Nicky Barrett		Michael O’Leary		David Enright
		Jack Birtley
Ivan King		Timmy O’Keeffe		Jacko Flaherty (0-2)
	David Quinlan (0-1)		Donal Hannon (1-5)
SUB: Patrick Kelly