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.

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

Newmarket were seeking a response from their previous league game but the home side settled quickly and raced into a three point lead in the first ten minutes. Newmarket responded and were on the scoreboard when following an excellent solo run, Tony O’Keeffe produced a fine finish from the sideline. This gave Newmarket confidence and Robert Stack added a point from distance. Banteer had the next score but a John Ryan free left the score at 0-4 to 0-3 after fifteen minutes. Despite Newmarket hurling well in all sectors, it was Banteer that proved more clinical and they had the next three scores. As the half entered the last ten minutes, Newmarket were rewarded for their all round display with a run of five points in succession. Firstly, Kevin O’Sullivan found the target with Michael Kenneally adding a fine individual point after bursting through the Banteer rearguard. Two points from John Ryan tied the sides for the first time before an excellently executed point from Barry O’Leary gave Newmarket the advantage and they turned over in front 0-8 to 0-7 at half time.

 John Ryan pointed a free three minutes after the restart as the sides traded points. John Ryan then gave Newmarket a two point lead before ten minutes into the half Banteer regained the lead on scoring the first goal of the night. A second goal followed at the end of the third quarter and suddenly Banteer enjoyed a four point lead, 2-8 to 0-10. Newmarket responded in the best possible fashion and were buoyed by the inspirational Anthony Crowley and Shane Murphy in defence. Colin O’Sullivan sent a high delivery towards the Banteer goal where the influential John Scanlon caught superbly before offloading a pass to Barry O’Leary and he closed in on goal before supplying a textbook finish to the back of the Banteer net. The hard working Robert Stack then added an excellent point from distance to tie the sides again, 1-11 to 2-8 with ten minutes remaining. Both sides strived for the advantage and it was Banteer who edged in front with a point. Newmarket hurled admirably from beginning to end but failed narrowly on a few occasions to muster an equalizing point. Eventually, as the game entered the dying seconds, a Banteer point ensured the spoils went the way of the home side.

The Newmarket team was…

Paul Verling
Donnacha Fitzpatrick		John McSweeney		Anthony Crowley
Conor Cronin		Kevin O’Sullivan (0-1)		Shane Murphy
	Colin O’Sullivan		John Ryan (0-5)
Tony O’Keeffe (0-1)		Michael Kenneally (0-1)		Donnacha O’Dea
John Scanlon		Robert Stack (0-2)		Barry O’Leary (1-1)

Banteer were quick off the mark and pointed in the second minute. Newmarket gained parity in the fifth minute thanks to a Bryan O’Connell point. The sides then exchanged points with John Lane supplying a second equalizer for Newmarket in the tenth minute. Newmarket gained the lead in the thirteenth minute when a sideline cut from Conor Cronin was flicked on by Robert Stack towards John Lane who played a wonderful crossfield pass to the onrushing Kevin O’Sullivan who caught the ball and raced in on goal before supplying a fine finish to the Banteer net for an excellent team goal. It was Banteer however who gained the impetus and they began to take control. Three points in a row had the sides level for a third time at 0-5 to 1-2 after twenty one minutes. Newmarket’s defence were under incessant pressure as Banteer added two further points. Four minutes before the break they eventually found a way past Newmarket’s excellent goalkeeper Paul Verling, who after producing a number of fine saves was finally beaten. Another Banteer point resulted in a spell that yielded a goal and six points without reply. Newmarket recovered late in the half and were denied a goal before John Lane pointed a free which left the score reading 1-8 to 1-3 at half time.

Banteer enjoyed the better of the opening period in the second half and after pointing in the fourth minute in their next attack they engineered their second goal of the game to enjoy a nine point advantage. Newmarket pointed when the impressive Conor Cronin found the target from long range before John Lane added a free. The sides exchanged two points as Newmarket provided plenty of endeavour throughout the half with John Lane on target. As the game entered the closing period Banteer were more clinical and added a string of points in the final minutes with John Lane adding two points for Newmarket in this final spell of the game.

The Newmarket team was…

Paul Verling
William O’Flynn		John Scanlon		Nicky Flanagan
David Kelly		Brendan Stack		Kevin O’Sullivan (1-0)
	Conor Cronin (0-1)		John Ryan
John Lane (0-6)		Robert Stack		Ian Flanagan
Kieran Lehane		Bryan O’Connell (0-1)		Billy Daly
SUBS:

Newmarket began the contest in rampant form and took an early lead when the unerring free taking of Brian Daly opened the scoring in the third minute. Newmarket maintained their bright start adapting well to the conditions and they increased their advantage in the seventh minute when Colin O’Sullivan pointed from a narrow angle. Banteer settled on opening their account when pointing in the tenth minute and the sides were level for the first time when they added a second in the fourteenth minute. Two further points gave Banteer the advantage but Newmarket were back on terms when Brian Daly found the target twice in as many minutes from placed balls. Newmarket were driven on by some excellent individual displays, centre back Pa O’Brien to the fore of a terrific defensive display where all six backs excelled. Barry O’Leary and Tony O’Keeffe were inspirational with the latter capping his performance with a truly memorable point after another driving solo run. As the half entered the closing stages Banteer regained level terms and the sides turned over level for the third time at 0-5 apiece.

 The faultless freetaking of Brian Daly edged Newmarket in front again within three minutes but Banteer levelled three minutes later before they swung the pendulum in their favour with another point. A game that ebbed from end to end turned back in Newmarkets favour when John Lane levelled before Barry O’Leary landed a spectacular point from distance. A Banteer point at the end of the third quarter had the sides level for a sixth time at 0-8 apiece. Newmarket gained the impetus again with Brian Daly on target for a fifth time and Colin O’Sullivan doubled the advantage with eleven minutes remaining. A tense conclusion followed as the finishing line approached but the games most significant moment came five minutes from time when Banteer pounced with a clinical finish for the games solitary goal. Despite this setback Newmarket relentlessly sought an equalizer and came agonisingly close on a couple of occasions but ultimately they failed to find the target and just fell short by the narrowest of margins following a fine hours effort.

The Newmarket team was…

John Ryan
John McSweeney		John Scanlon		Donnacha Fitzpatrick
Kevin O’Sullivan		Pa O’Brien		Anthony Crowley
	Tony O’Keeffe (0-1)		John Lane (0-1)
Shane Murphy		Brian Daly (0-5)		Robert Stack
Donnacha O’Dea		Colin O’Sullivan (0-2)		Barry O’Leary (0-1)
SUBS: Nicky Flanagan, Ian Flanagan, Shane Anthony Murphy.

Newmarket’s impressive centre forward Ian Flanagan hit two early points to give his side a good start after five minutes. Banteer reduced the arrears but Ian Flanagan kept Newmarket in front with a brace of points to leave Newmarket in front at the end of the opening quarter by 0-4 to 0-3.

At this stage Banteer assumed control and their slick forwards scored two goals in quick succession to tilt the contest firmly in their favour. They maintained their dominance and by the end of the end reached a total of 3-8.

Ian Flanagan continued to find the range from various angles as Newmarket struggled to cope with an impressive Banteer attack. Darren O’Keeffe struck a point from distance and Ian Flanagan capped off a fine display with a good individual goal. Newmarket were also well served by goalkeeper Paul Verling, Brendan Stack, Michael O’Leary and Denis McCarthy.

The Newmarket team was…

Paul Verling
	David Quinlan		Billy Daly
Andy Twomey		Brendan Stack		Michael O’Leary
	Denis McCarthy		Alan Forde
Damien Kelly		Ian Flanagan (1-6)		Darren O’Keeffe (0-1)
	Kieran Lehane		Eddie Allen
SUBS: Stephen O’Donovan, Ivan King

Banteer opened the scoring in the second minute before the excellent Conor Cronin converted a long range free for Newmarket a minute later. Prolific midfielder John Lane got his first point in the eighth minute with Banteer then adding the next two scores. Ian Flanagan then found the target and the tight exchanges remained with four further points being shared, John Lane twice replying from play, with the sides deadlocked for a fifth time in the half. As a very even half concluded, Banteer edged ahead to turnover in front by 0-6 to 0-5.

Newmarket got off to a fine start upon the resumption with John Lane pointing three times in five minutes. Banteer had the next two scores as the sides remained level, 0-8 each at the end of the third quarter. Once more John Lane was on target but a Banteer point had the sides level for the eighth time with just ten minutes remaining. Newmarket, with the backline impressing as a unit, found the impetus at this stage and John Lane hit two more points. Bryan O’Connell increased the advantage before Eddie Allen flicked home a decisive goal. Newmarket completed victory and a fine team effort with two more points, fittingly enough coming from ace marksman John Lane.

The Newmarket team was…

David Quinlan
William O’Flynn		Brendan Stack		Andy Twomey
Alan Forde		Conor Cronin (0-1)		Billy Daly
	John Ryan		John Lane (0-11)
Paul Verling		Robert Stack		Ian Flanagan (0-1)
Damien Kelly		Bryan O’Connell (0-1)		Kieran Lehane
SUBS: Eddie Allen (1-0), Michael O’Leary

Newmarket began very brightly and John Lane tapped over a point within a minute with Brian Daly adding on another with a fine long range free in the fourth minute. A frantic opening period continued and Banteer responded with three points in as many minutes with Maurice Feehan tieing the scores again in the eleventh minute. Banteer edged in front again and began to assume supremacy at this stage. Newmarket defended stoutly with John Ryan in fine form throughout the game. John McSweeney, Pa O’Brien and Nicky Flanagan hurled well in the full back line as Banteer added two more points. As the half entered the final ten minutes team captain Tony O’Keeffe and John Lane pointed for Newmarket to reduce the arrears to a minimum. Banteer added two points in quick succession before Brian Daly again found the target from long range. Injury time proved decisive for Banteer as they added a point and crucially in the last action of the half they struck for a goal after John Ryan produced another impressive save, and they turned over in front by 1-9 to 0-6.

Newmarket needed the next few scores but it was Banteer who increased their advantage with two points in eleven minutes. Newmarket sprung Denys O’Brien from the bench and he made an immediate impact when a powerful drive from long range nestled into the roof of the Banteer net. Banteer hit back with a point before Kevin O’Sullivan pointed a long range free for Newmarket which left the score at 1-12 to 1-7 entering the final quarter. Once more Banteer pointed, before Newmarket were given a ray of real hope when substitute Shane Murphy netted to leave just three points the difference. However, Newmarkets hopes were quenched within seconds when the defending Duhallow champions goalled to seal the issue. They added a couple of excellent long range points before a battling Newmarket had the final score of the game with Kevin O’Sullivan scoring a close in free.

John Ryan
Nicky Flanagan		John McSweeney		Pa O’Brien
Niall O’Connor		Brian Daly (0-2)		Anthony Crowley
	Kevin O’Sullivan (0-2)		Barry O’Leary
Maurice Feehan (0-1)		Tony O’Keeffe (0-1)		Shane Anthony Murphy
John Lane (0-2)		Michael Kenneally		Donnacha O’Dea
SUBS: Denys O’Brien (1-0), Shane Murphy (1-0)

After a tense tight opening, Banteer took the lead with a seventh minute point and doubled their advantage three minutes later. Newmarket got off the mark thanks to John Lane while Kevin O’Sullivan tied the sides at the end of the first quarter. Banteer regained the lead after landing two points in succession. Barry O’Leary scored a fine point for Newmarket but Banteer responded with a brace of points. As the half concluded both sides exchanged four points as both attacks enjoyed more success against tight defensive units, who proved difficut to breach, throughout the half. Kevin O’Sullivan and Tony O’Keeffe were on target for Newmarket but the reigning Duhallow champions finished the half with a brace of points to turnover in front by 0-8 to 0-5.

Newmarket resumed in some style. Banteer missed a number of opportunities in the opening exchanges but eventually Newmarket found their feet and the unerring Kevin O’Sullivan converted frees in the sixth and eleventh minute of the half.

From the resulting puck out, he made a spectacular catch in his own half back line and found Barry O’Leary, who in turn landed a sensational long range point that lifted the crowd and tied the sides for a second time at 0-8 apiece.

Team captain Tony O’Keeffe then added a fine individual score to give Newmarket the lead for the first time in the game. It got better for Newmarket, a move involving Kieran Hayes, the ever industrious Michael Kenneally and Maurice Feehan ended with the latter tucking the ball home from close range.

With Kevin O’Sullivan landing another free, it left Newmarket in front by 1-10 to 0-8 after forty seven minutes, having scored a goal and five points in succession after a memorable spell of fine hurling.

The champions responded in true fashion and had a goal within two minutes. Newmarket refused to be deterred and Kevin O’Sullivan was again on target before John Lane finished neatly to restore a four point advantage with little over five minutes to play. With a thrilling conclusion unfolding, the drama took another twist with Banteer firing in a second goal and an equalizing point to wipe out Newmarket’s lead in the closing stages. As the game entered injury time, Newmarket were awarded a free and yet again Kevin O’Sullivan stepped forward to find the target, but there still remained time for Banteer to surge forward and get another levelling score and they nearly clinched the contest, before the final whistle was blown and the lucky patrons present were left to reflect on an entertaining contest and a replay fixed for Saturday, August 18th at 6:45pm.

Newmarket will again reflect on another excellent team effort. Nicky Flanagan was in fine form ably assisted by John McSweeney, Pa O’Brien and Anthony Crowley. The midfield duo of Kevin O’Sullivan and Barry O’Leary contributed nine points while in attack Tony O’Keeffe and Michael Kenneally worked tirelessly throughout.

The Newmarket team was…

John Ryan
Pa O’Brien		John McSweeney		Nicky Flanagan
Niall O’Connor		Brian Daly		Anthony Crowley
	Kevin O’Sullivan (0-7)		Barry O’Leary (0-2)
Maurice Feehan (1-0)		Kieran Hayes		Colin O’Sullivan
John Lane (0-2)		Tony O’Keeffe (0-2)		Michael Kenneally
SUB: Shane Anthony Murphy

It proved to be a titanic struggle from beginning to end. Nicky Flanagan travelling at pace struck the crossbar within a minute. The sides shared the opening four points with John Lane twice replying to Banteer scores. John Lane then edged Newmarket in front adding two further points. Banteer responded with a point but the influential Kevin O’Sullivan pointed instantly for Newmarket. Banteer came to the fore hitting over three points which left them in front by 0-6 to 0-5 at half time.

Banteer made a dream start to the second half with a point quickly followed by a goal within three minutes. Newmarket however dug deep and showed emmense character to enjoy a long period of dominance. Ace marksman John Lane knocked over three points before Kevin O’Sullivan pointed. When John Lane pointed at the end of the third quarter, it left the sides level for the fourth time, 0-10 to 1-7 and all to play for.

Newmarket kept the momentum going with their large support in full voice when corner forward Danny Quinlan showed great improvisation, in clipping the ball over the bar from the tightest of angles to regain a slender lead. This was followed by an inspirational long range converted free from Conor Cronin with just six minutes remaining. However, Banteer rallied and quickly added two points to once more ensure parity. Newmarket nudged ahead again through John Lane with time rapidly closing in. However, there was to be one last dramatic late twist when Banteer claimed the title with the all important second goal.

Newmarket’s players can be proud of their efforts and contribution to a fine contest but ultimately the spoils go to a fine Banteer side.

John Ryan
William O’Flynn		John Scanlon		Brendan Stack
David Guiney		Conor Cronin (0-1)		David Kelly
	Kevin O’Sullivan (0-2)		Brian O’Riordan
Ian Flanagan		Nicky Flanagan		John Lane (0-9)
Richard O’Flynn		Robert Stack		Danny Quinlan
SUBS: Brian O’Connell

The opening score of the game did not come until the ninth minute but instantly the floodgates opened for Banteer as they built up a five point lead before adding three goals in a five minute spell. Newmarket were being blown away and Banteer ended the half with a lead of 3-10 with Newmarket failing to register a score.

To their credit Newmarket resumed a much different side and instantly pointed through Michael Kenneally and John Lane. A fourth Banteer goal duly arrived before Newmarket pointed through Shane Murphy and John Lane. Two goals within a minute maintained Newmarkets momentum as Michael Kenneally and Robert Stack both goalled from close range. John Lane pointed before Banteer then hit two further points. John Lane again and a brace of points from Shane Anthony Murphy ensured Newmarket reduced the margin before the finish.

John Ryan
William O’Flynn		Sean Irwin		David Kelly
John Scanlon		Michael O’Neill		Timothy Murphy
	Niall O’Connor		Shane Anthony Murphy (0-2)
John Lane (0-4)		Nicky Flanagan		Shane Murphy (0-1)
T.J. Bodie		Michael Kenneally (1-1)		Robert Stack (1-0)
SUB: David Guiney