Newmarket have what it takes to see off Brian Dillons

Newmarket v Brian Dillons

FRESH from opening wins, both Dillons and Newmarket enter the fray in a confident state of mind.

All remaining teams in the hunt hold plenty of hurling pedigree and it has the makings of a fabulous conclusion to one of the most sought after championship titles within the county. Just one week after capturing their first divisional title in 40 years, the Duhallow champions brought a high workrate to make light work of a game Tracton second string.

When required Newmarket enjoyed a dominance with Kevin O’Sullivan and Michael Cottrell solid anchors in defence as was the effective guidance of Seán Meehan and Alan Ryan at midfield. And in attack, Donal Hannon, Cathal Browne, Ryan O’Keeffe and Barry O’Connor delivered telling scores.

Newmarket are sure to receive a searching examination of their credentials from Brian Dillons. The latter are well accustomed to county deciders, hoping to do what they agonisingly failed to do in 2012 and 2017 when losing out to Kildorrery and St Catherine’s respectively.

Dillons encountered few problems from Whitechurch in the city final yet Kilbrin tested their well-being in a competitive county test. Still Dillons parade a skilful and experienced side, no doubting their progress with brothers Darragh and Cillian Brosnan key figures as are Tomás Lawrence, John Horgan and Cian McCarthy.

With two inform sides, little or nothing appears between the sides. Newmarket harbour serious intentions of taking a stepping stone to a first time county final and delivered a decent showing to eventual champions Cloughduv last season.

Maybe Brian Dillons are more experienced at this level yet they made heavy weather of seeing off Kilbrin in the previous round. In that context, Newmarket stand a great chance of progressing to a semi final for the second consecutive season.

Verdict: Newmarket