Dromtariffe hit the front early with two points in four minutes. Newmarket had their first point in the tenth minutes thanks to the excellent Kevin O’Sullivan and despite their erratic efforts at this stage; it was Kevin O’Sullivan who ended an eleven minute scoreless period dominated by Newmarket with his second and equalizing point. When Dromtariffe found themselves in an advanced position at the other end, they proved far more clinical as they reeled of three points in succession towards the end of the half to lead at the turnover by 0-5 to 0-2 and Newmarket were grateful to custodian David Quinlan for producing an outstanding save to keep their goal intact towards the closing moments of the opening period.

Newmarket cut the deficit as Shane Murphy slotted over a free in the fifth minute of the half. The Newmarket rearguard led by full back Michael Kenneally held firm at the back as Dromtariffe added two points to lead by the end of the third quarter by 0-7 to 0-3. As the game entered the final ten minutes, Newmarket suffered for their inaccuracy as Dromtariffe sealed the issue by adding four points in succession. A gallant Newmarket effort did produce the last score of the game as Shane Murphy added his second point of the game.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

Kevin O’Sullivan (0-2), Shane Murphy (0-2).

David Quinlan
Michael O’Leary		Michael Kenneally		Brendan Stack
Conor Cronin		Kevin O'Connor		Matthew Fitzpatrick
	Kevin O'Sullivan		Mark Murphy
Sean Doody		Shane Murphy		Gavin Forde
Eddie Allen		Luke McCarthy		Kieran Lehane
Subs: Vinny Molloy, Patick Kelly, Nicky Barrett, Gerry McCarthy.

Newmarket began brightly with John Ryan scoring a brace of points by the fifth minute and T.J. Bodie added a third, a minute later. Dromtariffe however, wiped out this advantage as they struck for an equalizing goal in their next foray into the Newmarket half. This failed to deter a free flowing Newmarket side and the impressive John Lane added two points in as many minutes.

By the tenth minute, Newmarket enjoyed a clear lead once Tony O’Keeffe finished to the net for his first goal of the game. Newmarket were unstoppable at this stage as they rattled off points through John Lane, John Ryan and Kevin O’Sullivan. In the nineteenth minute, Newmarket cut through the Dromtariffe rearguard once more with John Lane linking superbly with Tony O’Keeffe before sidestepping a couple of defenders and supplying the most subtle of finishes to the corner of the net. A relentless attacking display saw further points for John Lane and Tony O’Keeffe before Dromtariffe gained respite with a second goal. A resounding first half Newmarket performance finished with John Lane pointing to establish a lead of 2-11 to 2-0 at the turnover.

Moments into the second half Dromtariffe registered their opening point. Newmarket eventually got into their rhythm again with Colin O’Sullivan pointing spectacularly in the eighth minute. As the end of the third quarter approached, Newmarket worked diligently to turnover Dromtariffe possession with John Ryan and Tony O’Keeffe involved in supplying Kevin O’Sullivan in front of goal and he did superbly to rattle the net with an unstoppable shot. John Ryan pointed next as the sides traded points. The hard working David O’Flynn was rewarded for his endeavours by adding the next two points for Newmarket. As the game entered the final ten minutes, Tony O’Keeffe claimed the limelight as he firstly pointed before completing his hat trick with two goals in three minutes after twice being supplied in great positions by David O’Flynn. Dromtariffe had a final point but a terrific Newmarket display was capped with Kevin O’Sullivan adding the closing point of the hour.

The Newmarket team was…

Niall O’Connor
Sean Doody		Mark Murphy		Brian O’Riordan
Kevin O’Connor		Denys O’Brien		Timothy Murphy
	Bart Daly		Gerard Casey
John Lane (1-5)		Kevin O’Sullivan (1-2)		David O’Flynn (0-2)
John Ryan (0-4)		T.J. Bodie (0-1)		Tony O’Keeffe (3-2)
SUBS: Colin O’Sullivan (0-1), David Quinlan, Nicky Flanagan, Michael O’Leary, Conor Cronin

Dromtariffe were the sharper side initially and raced into a three point lead within six minutes. Newmarket eventually settled and Nicky Flanagan and Michael Kenneally had points in quick succession. Dromtariffe had a fourth point at the end of the first quarter but Newmarket enjoyed good spells on dominance at this stage. Despite some fine approach play, Newmarket laboured to add to their tally. Jerry McCarthy eventually found the target and Nicky Flanagan converted a free to tie the sides for the first and only time at 0-4 apiece late in the half. Dromtariffe finished the half in the ascendancy and ensured they enjoyed an interval advantage of 0-6 to 0-4 thanks to two late points.

Dromtariffe resumed in whirlwind fashion and added three superbly taken points in a four minute spell. Newmarket faced an uphill task and another Dromtariffe point left six points between the sides, ten minutes into the half.

To their credit, Newmarket battled back into the contest and Nicky Flanagan added a brace of points. Crucially at this stage, a terrific effort from Nicky Flanagan seemed destined for the corner of the net, but somehow the Dromtariffe goalkeeper produced an incredible save to keep their lead intact. Newmarket made a number of substitutions during the half and each had a positive impact on the side. Robert Stack excelled as the game progressed with John McSweeney and Mattie Fitzpatrick in outstanding form. However, Newmarket again found scoring a huge burden and it was Dromtariffe who added the next point to take a five point lead. This failed to deter Newmarket and after several attempts they manufactured a well taken goal with Nicky Flanagan laying the ball into the path of John Scanlon who struck a shot majestically to the roof of the Dromtariffe net.

Unfortunately for Newmarket, it was Dromtariffe who sealed a keenly contested game with a point late in injury time to progress to the next round.

The Newmarket team was…

Paul Murphy
Michael O’Leary		John McSweeney		Donnacha O’Dea
Matthew Fitzpatrick		Robert Stack		Jack Birtley
	Gerard Casey		Brendan Stack
Donnacha Fitzpatrick		Ian Flanagan		Jerry McCarthy (0-1)
Kieran Lehane		Michael Kenneally (0-1)		Nicky Flanagan (0-4)
SUBS: John Scanlon (1-0), Anthony Lynch, Nicky Barrett, David Enright, Vinny Molloy

Dromtariffe set the trend for a free flowing contest on pointing within a minutewith Gavin Forde finding the target from a long range point a minute later. David Quinlan showed some great determination in forging out a scoring opportunity for himself before pointing for Newmarket in the eighth minute. In the tenth minute, Donal Hannon managed to flick the ball towards the onrushing Vinny Molloy and he bore down on goalbefore unleashing an unstoppable shot to the roof of the Dromtariffe net for a superb Newmarket goal. Dromtariffe answered with a point and they slowly began to dominatethe next period of the game. Three points followed and the sides were level by the nineteenth minute. Dromtariffe were in full flow at this stage and were knocking over an impressive string of points from very long distances. Three further points put them into athree point lead in a sequence which yielded seven points in succession. Newmarket ended an eighteen minute spell without a score with ace marksman Donal Hannon getting his first point of the contest. He added a second point but on both occasions Dromtariffe hit back with points. As an entertaining half concluded it was Dromtariffe who enjoyed alead of 0-10 to 1-4 at the turnover.

Dromtariffe increased their advantage within two minutes of the resumption. Despite a Donal Hannon point, Dromtariffe soon restored their four point advantage.Newmarket took a grip on proceedings at this stage. David Quinlan added two points to his tally before a Donal Hannon point left just a point between the sides, 0-12 to 1-8. Dromtariffe added the next point but Newmarket maintained their momentum, Donal Hannon pointing once more before a fine score from Vinny Molloy had the sides level fora third time and the game perfectly poised entering the final quarter. Newmarket hit the front thanks to Donal Hannon and a Jacko Flaherty point doubled the lead. The pendulum swung back towards Dromtariffe in the latter stages and two quickfire points restored parity once more. As the clock ticked towards a conclusion Dromtariffe edged ahead. Newmarket had one final chance to rescue the contest and Donal Hannon kept hiscomposure to split the posts for an equalizing point and both sides had to settle for extra time after a rip roaring game ended 1-13 to 0-16.

Dromtariffe gained the early advantage in extra time pointing within two minutes. Great credit was due to both sides for their endeavours throughout and despite obviously tiring limbs the commitment and desire of all involved was first class. Dromtariffe took a two point lead before Newmarket had their first score of extra time onGavin Forde pointing a free. Newmarket ended the first half on a major high when JackoFlaherty saw his effort creep over the line for a second Newmarket goal who took the leadonce more at 2-14 to 0-19.

Donal Hannon pointed on the resumption but Dromtariffe answered with a point instantly. As the game entered the final moments two superbly taken points from Donal Hannon gave Newmarket a three point advantage. Dromtariffe threw everything into onelast desperate attack. As the ball dropped dangerously towards the Newmarket goal, excellent custodian Shane McAuliffe produced a wonderful save, however despairinglythe rebound was finished clinically by an alert Dromtariffe forward for a sensational equalizing goal. This provided the final segment of play and fittingly both sides will get another chance to claim the prize on offer.

A number of individuals performed heroically. For Newmarket, goalkeeper ShaneMcAuliffe was confident throughout, with Padraig Allen and Michael O’Leary extremely resolute in defence. Nicky Barrett had a fine game in the half back line while in attack Vinny Molloy impressed along with prolific talisman Donal Hannon.

Shane McAuliffe
	Padraig Allen		Michael O’Leary
Alan Ryan		Jack Birtley		Nicky Barrett
	Gavin Forde (0-2)		Vinny Molloy (1-1)
David Enright		Ivan King		Donal Hannon (0-10)
	David Quinlan (0-3)
Subs: Jacko Flaherty (1-1), Patrick Kelly, David Enright, Billy Lane

Newmarket began brightly and John Ryan scored a fine point within a minute before converting a free in the fifth minute. Dromtariffe got off the mark in the seventh minute before a second point had the sides level for the first time after eleven minutes. Newmarket edged in front again thanks to a John Lane point and Conor Cronin increased the advantage with an excellent effort. The game turned in the twentieth minute when Dromtariffe struck for two quickfire goals and they suddenly enjoyed a four point advantage. Newmarket responded with John Lane answering with two points but it was Dromtariffe who had the final score of the half to turn over in front by 2-3 to 0-6.

Dromtariffe increased their lead within a minute of the restart but two minutes later a superb move, initiated by a long delivery from Paul Cashman saw John Lane gather possession and he laid the ball into the path of the on rushing T.J. Brosnan who crashed the ball brilliantly to the bottom corner of the Dromtariffe net to reduce the arrears to a solitary point. With the game finely balanced and in full flow the sides exchanged the next four points with John Lane twice on target for Newmarket. As Newmarket pressed hard for an equalizer they were guilty of squandering a number of opportunites before Ian Flanagan eventually tied proceedings, 2-6 to 1-9 with nine minutes remaining. Dromtariffe were next to take the lead but within a minute Newmarket were on terms again with T.J. Brosnan drilling the ball over the bar.

It was the home side however who made possession count in the closing moments and crucially found the target twice to deny Newmarket.

The Newmarket team was…

David Quinlan
Michael O’Leary		Brendan Stack		Jack Birtley
Anthony Lynch		Paul Cashman		David Enright
	Conor Cronin (0-1)		Robert Stack
Bryan O’Connell		T.J. Brosnan (1-1)		Ian Flanagan (0-1)
John Lane (0-5)		Luke McCarthy		John Ryan (0-2)
SUBS: Timmy O’Keeffe, Conor Keppel

Two weeks ago the boys won against Millstreet in the B final after some late goals. This Sunday it took extra time to separate the teams, Newmarket running out victorious on a scoreline of 3-18 to 5-11. Congratulations to all the boys, their mentors and families. Additional photos can be found in the gallery.

The home side opened the scoring with a second minute point but some fine industrious play from David Enright resulted in David Quinlan being on hand to finish the resultant delivery to the back of the Dromtariffe net in the seventh minute. Dromtariffe pointed next before David Enright converted a free for Newmarket. The sides exchanged another brace of points as once more David Enright was successful from a free as Newmarket led by 1-2 to 0-3 after the opening fifteen minutes. Conditions got the better of both sides as regards the scoring stakes but the endeavour and commitment of both teams was never in question throughout. Dromtariffe gained the upper hand in the closing minutes of the half as they claimed three points in the final five minutes to take a slender lead of 0-6 to 1-2 at the turnover.

Dromtariffe increased their advantage with a point five minutes into the second half but a neat finish from Paul Verling brought Newmarket to within the minimum margin again. Dromtariffe had the better of things again when they added four points in succession. As the contest entered the final ten minutes Newmarket managed to find an extra gear. Paul Verling and Jacko Flaherty were on target to rally a Newmarket revival and this gained further momentum as Paul Verling and David Enright points reduced the margin once more to a solitary point with less than three minutes to play. However, Dromtariffe had enough in reserve to finish on a high and they added three fine points to claim a four point victory.

A young Newmarket side can reflect on a very encouraging display. Goalkeeper Shane McAuliffe was assured and confident throughout while in defence Jack Birtley and Timmy O’Keeffe were outstanding. Bryan O’Connell tried tirelessly while Paul Verling and Jacko Flaherty made an impact in attack.

The Newmarket team was…

Shane McAuliffe
	Jack Birtley		Paudie Allen
Timmy O’Keeffe		Michael O’Leary		Patrick Kelly
	Darren O’Keeffe		Bryan O’Connell
Eddie Allen		Paul Verling (0-3)		David Enright (0-3)
	David Quinlan (1-0)		Jacko Flaherty (0-1)
SUB: Nicky Barrett

The game started with Dromtariffe on the attack, scoring a point in under a minute. Newmarket swiftly replied with a Vince Molloy goal on five minutes. This was answered with a Dromtariffe goal on seven minutes. With a further point from TJ Brosnan on 9 minutes the sides were level. Newmarket took the game to Dromtariffe for the rest of the first half scoring a further six points, four from TJ Brosnan and one each from Luke McCarthy and Danny O’Connell. However Newmarket’s shooting accuracy was a little erratic with a total of seven wides in the first half. They also tired somewhat toward the end of the half and let Dromtariffe back in with three further points from frees. So at half time Newmarket felt they should have been ahead by more than just three points. The half time score was 1 – 7 to 1- 4.

In the second half Newmarket again were in control of large sections of the play with a goal form David Enright on 31 minutes they should have gone on to dominate proceedings but where guilty of overplaying things at times, letting Dromtariffe in for two easily taken goals. Newmarket’s general play was good but wasteful shooting and passing meant they didn’t dominate on the scoreboard. With points from Vince Molloy, David Enright, Nicky Barrett, and Evan O’Keeffe Newmarket ran out winners by three points. Final Score 2-13 to 3 – 7. This was a good contest played with fairness and commitment, a credit to both teams. Newmarket have now won all four of their games this year and will now definitely qualify for a Semi-Finals place.

The Newmarket team was…

Shane McAuliffe
Billy Lane		Jack Birtley		Timmy O’Flynn
Con McAuliffe		Patrick Kelly		Paudie Allen
	TJ Brosnan (0-6)		David Enright (1-1)
Nicky Barrett (0-2)		Vincent Molloy (1-2)		Jacko Flaherty
Danny O’Connell (0-1)		Luke McCarthy (0-1)		Ger Murphy
SUBS:Peter Lynch, Evan O’Keeffe, Daniel Culloty, Alan Ryan, Donal Hannon

Newmarket were aided by a strong breeze in the first half and some fine passages of play yielded scores from Darren O’Keeffe while Nicky Barrett was on hand to score two goals. They were left to rue a string of wides as the home side turned over in front by 3-6 to 2-3.

The wind lifted significantly in the second half and Newmarket struggled as a consequence. The sole score of the half came courtesy of the very impressive Bryan O’Connell.
The Newmarket team was…

Shane McAuliffe
	Michael O’Leary		Paudie Allen
Damien Kelly		Bryan O’Connell (0-1)		Ivan King
	David Enright		Darren O’Keeffe (0-3)
Eddie Allen		Paul Verling		Nicky Barrett (2-0)
	David Quinlan		Vincent Molloy
SUBS: Timmy O’Keeffe, Jonathan O’Flaherty, Patrick Kelly, Billy Lane, Luke McCarthy

Playing with the aid of a strong breeze, Newmarket quickly got off the mark when Anthony Lynch pointed in the first minute. John Ryan slotted over a third minute free as a fluent Newmarket began impressively. Ian Flanagan and Jerry McCarthy also added to the scoreboard in the opening quarter.

Newmarket were well marshalled in defence with David Guiney, Brian O’Riordan and Conor Cronin prominent while goalkeeper David Quinlan gave a very assured performance throughout the hour. Newmarket made their dominance pay with John Ryan and John Lane opening up a six point advantage. Six minutes before the interval, John Ryan was upended in the Dromtariffe square but the home goalkeeper duly blocked the resultant penalty. This failed to deter Newmarket as they finished the half with a few late points through John Scanlon, John Lane and the score of the match from Robert Stack who kicked emphatically from distance after some excellent approach play involving John Lane and John Ryan. This gave Newmarket a nine point cushion as they turned to face into the strong breeze.

Dromtariffe got off the mark within two minutes but Newmarket responded with John Lane claiming a fine point in the fifth minute. Dromtariffe increased the tempo but again Newmarket’s rearguard was resolute until the end of the third quarter when the home side added two points in quick succession. Newmarket squandered a few gilt edged chances but they regained their composure as scores from John Ryan and Conor Cronin restored the nine point lead. Dromtariffe’s endeavours were rewarded late in the day when being awarded the second penalty of the hour but this time the kick was dispersed expertly to the corner of the net with what proved to be the final score of the contest.

Congratulations to Bart Daly who lined out at centre half back on the Cork under 21 football team that defeated Waterford by 0-19 to 0-9 in the Munster championship semi final at Pairc Ui Rinn on Saturday and best wishes to him as they play Tipperary in the Munster Final at Thurles on Saturday.

The Newmarket team was…

David Quinlan
	David Guiney		Brian O’Riordan
Conor Cronin (0-1)		Paul Cashman		Michael O’Leary
	Robert Stack (0-1)		Kevin O’Sullivan
Anthony Lynch (0-1)		John Ryan (0-3)		Ian Flanagan (0-1)
	Jerry McCarthy (0-1)		John Lane (0-3)
SUBS: John Scanlon (0-1), Eugene Bodie

The home side adapted better to the conditions from the outset but had to wait until the ninth minute to register the games first score. Two further points by the end of the first quarter strengthened their position as Newmarket struggled. Newmarket were grateful to a resolute defence for keeping the deficit to an attainable level with goalkeeper Eamon Moynihan coming to the rescue on a number of occasions. Dromtariffe added two more points and turned over in front by 0-5 at half time.

Newmarket, as was necessary, improved upon the restart. Ian Flanagan converted a free within two minutes and repeated the feat two minutes later. Robert Stack pointed ten minutes into the half as Newmarket now had the impetus. Anthony Crowley reduced the deficit to a minimum before an Ian Flanagan free tied the sides for the only time in the contest 0-5 apiece at the end of the third quarter. Robert Stack pointed to give Newmarket the lead for the first time before the critical score of the game arrived with little over ten minutes to play, when substitute Darren O’Keeffe was on hand to finish to the net for the games solitary goal. Robert Stack, Donnacha Fitzpatrick and Colin O’Sullivan all found the target for a now confident Newmarket side before Dromtariffe scored the final point of the contest and Newmarket claimed another brace of league points.

The Newmarket team was…

Eamon Moynihan
William O’Flynn		John Scanlon		Brendan Stack
David Kelly		Anthony Crowley (0-1)		Kieran Hayes
	Colin O’Sullivan (0-1)		Ian Flanagan (0-3)
John Cronin		Robert Stack (0-3)		Alan Forde
David Buckley		Donnacha Fitzpatrick (0-1)		Martin O’Doherty
SUBS: Billy Daly, Darren O’Keeffe (1-0)

Playing their second championship game in the space of three days, Newmarket struggled at the outset, while on the other hand Dromtariffe stormed out of the blocks, amassing five points within twelve minutes. Newmarket eventually got off the mark when midfielder Gerard Casey surged forward to kick a point in the fourteenth minute. Newmarket improved at this stage as the sides exchanged the next four points, with the impressive Shane Murphy pointing on both occasions for Newmarket. Dromtariffe finished the half in similarly fine fashion as they began it and three more unanswered points gave them a substantial 0-10 to 0-3 advantage at half time.

Upon the restart, yet again Dromtariffe made their dominance pay on the scoreboard as three more points was added to their tally within ten minutes of the half. To their credit Newmarket upped their performance considerably for the remainder of the contest. Matthew Fitzpatrick pointed before the excellent Robert Stack kicked a great point from distance. This score was surpassed by Shane Murphy who landed a glorious point when positioned by the sideline. The momentum now in their favour, Newmarket impressed throughout the field. Kevin O’Connor converted two frees and having scored five points in succession, Newmarket reduced the arrears to five. Dromtariffe had their first point in seventeen minutes but Brian Daly replied for Newmarket. Dromtariffe pointed again as the game entered injury time but Seanie Francis O’Connor completed the scoring with a Newmarket point.

It was another good display from Newmarket who were led in defence by the excellent Dermot Moynihan, while Dan Murphy and Robert Stack were also to the fore. The midfield duo of Brian Daly and Gerard Casey worked tirelessly while in attack Shane Murphy looked sharp throughout.

The Newmarket team was…

Tadhg O’Sullivan
Donnacha O’Dea		Dan Murphy		Brendan Stack
Trevor Murphy		Dermot Moynihan		Robert Stack (0-1)
	Brian Daly (0-1)		Gerard Casey (0-1)
Seanie Francis O’Connor (0-1)		Shane Anthony Murphy		Matthew Fitzpatrick (0-1)
Shane Murphy (0-3)		Colin O’Sullivan		Kevin O’Connor (0-2)
SUB: John Cronin

Dromtariffe took the lead within a minute of the throw in but Timothy Murphy replied with a fine long range effort for Newmarket instantly. Despite enjoying considerable possession Newmarket failed to reflect this on the scoreboard. Dromtariffe scored the next three points before John Ryan added a point for Newmarket from a free after fifteen minutes. The sides exchanged points with Brian O’Riordan surging forward to kick a fine effort for Newmarket to leave the score 0-5 to 0-3 after twenty five minutes. The remaining minutes of the half proved pivotal in the contest as a clinical Dromtariffe proceeded to add four quickfire points to turnover in front by 0-9 to 0-3.

Newmarket endeavoured hard throughout the hour but scores proved to be at a premium. John Ryan slotted over a point five minutes into the half but Dromtariffe also added a point in their next attack. Robert Stack capped off a fine display by getting forward to kick a superb point and when Maurice Feehan added another, Newmarket reduced the arrears to four points, 0-10 to 0-6 with thirteen minutes remaining and appeared to be gaining momentum. However, it was Dromtariffe who finished the stronger and despite an impressive display from Newmarket’s defence, including Donnacha O’Dea, Trevor Murphy and Robert Stack, the victors sealed the issue by adding four points to give the scoreboard an unfair reflection of the overall game at the end.

The Newmarket team was…

Tadhg O’Sullivan
Donnacha O’Dea		Mark Murphy		Robert Stack (0-1)
Sean Doody		Brian O’Riordan (0-1)		Matthew Fitzpatrick
	Kevin O’Sullivan		Brian Daly
Maurice Feehan (0-1)		Shane Anthony Murphy		Timothy Murphy (0-1)
John Ryan (0-2)		Colin O’Sullivan		Shane Murphy
SUBS: Trevor Murphy, Nicky Flanagan, Kevin O’Connor, Gerard Casey, John Scanlon

Playing against a cool breeze, Newmarket flew out of the traps. Bart Daly surged forward to kick a fine opening point in the fourth minute. The very lively John Lane then punched a point and John Ryan converted a free after seven minutes. Dromtariffe then settled into the game and were rewarded with two points by the end of the opening quarter. Newmarket managed to hold on to their slender lead and Ian Flanagan was on hand to score a badly needed point for Newmarket after twenty minutes. This propelled Newmarket back into form and they finished the half strongly and increased their lead by three further points, with John Ryan adding two further pointed frees, either side of another John Lane point. This gave Newmarket a lead of 0-7 to 0-2 at the turnover.

Dromtariffe resumed with a point within a minute of the restart but Kevin O’Sullivan pointed for Newmarket three minutes later. Dromtariffe pointed next, but yet again Newmarket responded with a point, this time through Ian Flanagan. The decisive score of the game came ten minutes into the half. Kevin O’Sullivan slipped a pass to Bart Daly who played a wonderful cross field pass into the hands of Nicky Flanagan twenty yards from goal, Nicky still had plenty to do but he sidestepped the Dromtariffe defence and finished brilliantly to the corner of the net with an unstoppable shot. An injured John Lane’s last piece of action was to kick a point from a free and Newmarket led by 1-10 to 0-4 at the three quarter stage. Newmarket’s performance was very patchy for the remainder of the game.

A dogged Dromtariffe side kept going and added the next two points before Kevin O’Sullivan scored what proved to be Newmarket’s final score of the game with ten minutes still to play. Dromtariffe further reduced the deficit with a point and they struck for a goal in the final stages of the game. This proved to be the final score of the game and Newmarket claimed a four point victory. They now progress to meet Kanturk in the final.

The Newmarket team was…

Niall O’Connor
John Scanlon		Brian O’Riordan		David Guiney
Conor Cronin		Bart Daly (0-1)		Robert Stack
	Kevin O’Sullivan (0-2)		Timothy Murphy
John Ryan (0-3)		T.J. Bodie		Michael Kenneally
Ian Flanagan (0-2)		John Lane (0-3)		Nicky Flanagan (1-0)
SUBS: Brendan Stack, Jerry McCarthy

The home side got the season off to the best possible start with a goal after four minutes. The impressive Nicky Flanagan got Newmarket off the mark with a fine point four minutes later. The sides went on to exchange four points in the next ten minutes and it was Nicky Flanagan twice, who responded for Newmarket with points, the latter coming from a free. Scores proved difficult to come by for both sides with defences on top, Donnacha O’Dea and David Guiney to the fore for Newmarket throughout the game. John Ryan slotted over a point within two minutes of the break and this left the score reading 1-2 to 0-4 at half time.

Upon the resumption, both sides again found defences difficult to breach. The first score arrived in the ninth minute with Dromtariffe extending their lead. Newmarket replied through Nicky Flanagan and within a minute Maurice Feehan pointed to level the sides for the first time in the contest after forty two minutes. At the end of the quarter, Newmarket strung together a superb move spanning the length of the pitch. Donnacha O’Dea emerged from defence before Kevin O’Sullivan swept forward and offloaded to Maurice Feehan, he then produced a sublime defence splitting pass to set up Nicky Flanagan and he duly finished in some style to the roof of the net. This left Newmarket in front by 1-6 to 1-3.

It was the home side however that gained the upper hand. They gradually reduced the deficit and at the same time were guilty of missing a number of other opportunities. However, four points in succession edged Dromtariffe in front as they dominated the final stages of the game. Newmarket were given one last chance to reprieve the deficit, and the free scoring Nicky Flanagan kept his composure to slot over the equalizing point, in the games final cameo.

The Newmarket team was…

Niall O’Connor
Donnacha O’Dea		Mark Murphy		David Guiney
Brian Daly		Kevin O’Sullivan		Brian O’Riordan
	Gerard Casey		Colin O’Sullivan
Sean Doody		Timothy Murphy		Maurice Feehan (0-1)
John Ryan (0-1)		Nicky Flanagan (1-5)		Shane Murphy
SUBS: Shane Anthony Murphy, Trevor Murphy, Michael Kenneally, Conor Cronin

The victors lead for most of the match and entered the interval with a 3-01 to 0-03 advantage. Although Dromtariffe managed to hit the Newmarket net in the closing stages of the game, the result never looked in danger. Congratulations to all involved.

The gallery has been updated with pictures of the victorious team.

The Newmarket team was:

Adrian Carroll
Jeremy Murphy		Jamie Hayes		Liam Birtley
Danny Lane		Donal Hannon (0-2, Capt.)		Richard Moynahan
	Alan Ryan		Alan Cremin
Tadhg Ryan (0-2)		Daniel Culloty (1-0)		Michael Cottrell (1-2)
Daniel Doherty		Conor O’Keeffe (3-0)		Eddie Kiely
Subs: Eoin O’Connell

John Cronin and Shane Anthony Murphy had Newmarket in front early on before a tenth minute John Cronin point was quickly followed by a Dromtariffe goal, which left the visitors in front by 1-1 to 0-3 after the opening quarter. Two Dromtariffe points followed before John Cronin had his next score. Dromtariffe then struck for a second goal but Newmarket kept their composure and a T.J. Bodie point preceeded two rapid fire goals from Shane Murphy and Barry O’Leary which turned the game in Newmarket’s favour. Dromtariffe replied with two points to bring an entertaining half to a close with the sides deadlocked on 2-5 apiece.

Dromtariffe resumed with two early points which amazingly proved to be their final score of the game. John Cronin and Matthew Fitzpatrick brought Newmarket level, with Micheal Hourigan edging them in front entering the closing quarter. Newmarket finished the game in impressive style and this yielded points from Anthony Crowley, John Cronin, Barry O’Leary and T.J. Bodie to record a fine victory.

Having lost in their first two outings in the competition, Newmarket recorded an impressive five wins in the remaining six games. Newmarket have qualified for the knockout stages of the competition for the first time since 1998, a commendable achievement by a young and talented squad given the competitive nature of this competition.

The Newmarket side was…

Niall O’Connor
David Guiney		Mark Murphy		Anthony Crowley (0-1)
Brian O’Riordan		Bart Daly		Matthew Fitzpatrick (0-1)
	Brian Daly		Gerard Casey
Barry O’Leary (1-1)		John Cronin (0-5)		T.J. Bodie (0-2)
Shane Anthony Murphy (0-1)		Shane Murphy (1-0)		Sean Doody
SUBS: Micheal Hourigan (0-1), Donnacha O’Dea, Timothy Murphy

Dromtariffe playing with the aid of a decisive breeze, dominated from the start and went 1-4 in front before Alan Forde had Newmarket’s first point after twenty minutes. This score settled Newmarket and a couple of John Ryan points brought them back into contention, at this left the half time score, 1-4 to 0-3.

John Lane pointed upon the restart but this was cancelled by a score for the home side. A long period of play followed without a score as both sides tried to take a grip on the game. Eventually a couple of quick points from John Lane and John Ryan, reduced the deficit to just two points, with ten minutes to play. Dromtariffe responded with two points of their own, but a determined Newmarket side kept going to the end and were rewarded with points from John Ryan and John Lane, but ultimately time ran out and Dromtariffe collected the points.

The Newmarket lineout was…

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Ian Flanagan
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Darren O’Keeffe		Robert Stack		David Kelly
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Andy Twomey		Paul Cashman		Brendan Stack
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	Conor Cronin		Danny Allen
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Bryan O’Connell		John Ryan (0-4)		Jonathan O’Connor
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Alan Forde (0-1)		Liam O’Callaghan		Kieran Lehane
SUBS: John Lane (0-3), Damien Kelly, Michael O’Leary

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A youthful and enthusiastic Newmarket side weathered an early Dromtariffe onslaught before Kevin O’Sullivan put them in front in the eleventh minute. Dromtariffe pointed twice before John Cronin gained parity. Newmarket’s efforts were boosted when goalkeeper Niall O’Connor produced a super save from a penalty in the nineteenth minute. Newmarket responded with points from Bart Daly and T.J. Bodie. Dromtariffe were next to score but Nicky Flanagan replied for Newmarket. Dromtariffe hit back again but a Kevin O’Sullivan point left Newmarket ahead in a tight contest by 0-6 to 0-5 at half time.

Dromtariffe levelled ten minutes after the restart before edging in front. Newmarket’s endevours were rewarded when Nicky Flanagan pounced to score a goal at the three quarter mark. Dromtariffe hit back with two points to leave the sides level for the fourth time with seven minutes remaining. Dromtariffe were next to score but with the game on a knife edge Newmarket pointed through Bart Daly. Substitute Donnacha Fitzpatrick looked to have kicked a decisive point with only minutes to go but Dromtariffe showed the mettle of champions by pointing twice before scoring a late late goal to claim victory at the death.

Niall O’Connor
Donnacha O’Dea		Shane Murphy		Anthony Crowley
Michael Kenneally		Timothy Murphy		Trevor Murphy
	Kevin O’Sullivan (0-2)		Gerard Casey
Maurice Feehan		Bart Daly (0-2)		John Ryan
Nicky Flanagan (1-1)		John Cronin (0-1)		T.J. Bodie (0-1)
SUB: Donnacha Fitzpatrick (0-1)