Newmarket’s big battle of Past V Present ends in stalemate
AN ALL-NEWMARKET HURLING CLASH - PAST V PRESENT DID REALLY SERVE UP A TREAT, AND ENDED IN A STALEMATE
THERE was no mention of a replay after tiring limbs battled to a standstill after a thrilling Newmarket clash of the Old Brigade and the New Generation ended in stalemate before a large and appreciative attendance last weekend.
Age is no barrier to quality performance, which was very evident in this hurling classic that proved an overwhelming success for the promoting Newmarket Juvenile club.
And after the defeat of Cork earlier in the day by Wexford, those present required a prompt pick-me-up event to erase the disappointment from Thurles and they got it in the eagerly awaited Past v Present showdown.
Famous faces agreed to put the jersey and togs on, and on the performance alone one wonders how some talents were shelved for some time.
Guiding the fortunes of the former greats was former Meelin great and ex Newmarket manager Neally Forrest who showed his ruthlessness on leaving familiar names in the dugout. However as the game developed over three lengthy periods, Neally produced a number of trump cards that cobbled together neat enterprising passages of play in the clash of the ash.
Indeed, the great warriors of a past generation came close to pulling off a victory only for the present line up pull the rabbit out of the hat on a last ditch goal for parity. Not too surprising, given the inroads made by 2016 team in both league and championship this season. “We almost claimed the win but the younger side played their get out of jail card on snatching the equalising goal”, quipped Neally. “Above all, everybody enjoyed the occasion, the weather picked up and it allowed for a get together. Well done to Newmarket and all involving on putting together the novel staging”, he said.
Club spokesman Benny O’Doherty spoke of the hosting as a fundraiser for Newmarket Juvenile Club and hosted in conjunction with the local Festival.
“The idea was mooted as part of raising funds to offset expenses for the underage club and it met with a popular feedback on players traveling long distances to be part of the occasion”, said Benny.
A re-enactment may well be required to determine which generation is the best, but unanimously, past and present saw no immediate need for the CCC in smoke filled rooms to convene to resolve for a few months. When all was done and dusted it was back to the Clubrooms for some light refreshments and work off those aching limbs.
Full time score-Past 7-11, Present 6-14.