Newmarket book their place in semi-finals of Duhallow Junior Hurling League

NEWMARKET qualified for the semi finals of the Duhallow Junior Hurling League for the first time since 1988 as a side, short several regulars, recorded a fine 3-13 to 1-7 victory over previously unbeaten Freemount in the sunshine at Newmarket on Sunday afternoon.

Newmarket got off to a fine start as points from Gavin Forde twice and John Lane helped build an early lead. Freemount replied with two points by the twelfth minute and Shane McAuliffe produced a fine save moments later to keep his side in front.

As the game entered the second quarter, Newmarket crafted a well worked goal. Tony O’Keeffe, Kevin O’Sullivan and John Lane were all involved in providing a well placed John Scanlon with possession and he made no mistake in hitting home a goal.

Gavin Forde added two well struck pointed frees as Newmarket raced into a six point lead. Freemount struck for a goal but Newmarket were in full flow. Tony O’Keeffe excelled at full forward and he began a personal purple patch with a fine point in the twenty fourth minute. Freemount were next to score with a point but Newmarket finished the half superbly.

John Lane and Jonathan Flaherty scored two confidently taken points with Tony O’Keeffe maintaining the standard with another fine score. Newmarket capped an excellent opening thirty minutes with a second goal. Eddie Allen did well to gain possession and passed to Gavin Forde who aimed an air bound delivery towards to edge of the square. In a snapshot, Tony O’Keeffe fielded superbly before rounding his opponent and neatly slipping the ball to the net. Newmarket greeted the half time whistle with a lead of 2-9 to 1-3.

The second half was a much more mundane affair. Freemount were first to score with a point in the seventh minute with Gavin Forde on target from a free four minutes later.

Another Freemount point left Newmarket with a lead of 2-10 to 1-5 which they held until the nineteenth minute of the half. Donnacha Fitzpatrick had to retire with an injury but Newmarket held firm in defence.

Substitute Tadgh Ryan added an injection of impetus when introduced and went on to make a brilliant and telling impact. Almost instantly he showed his class on dispatching a glorious point and surpassed this three minutes later with an outstanding individual goal.

Freemount added two points but Newmarket went on to complete victory with insurance points from John Lane and Ian Flanagan.