Newmarket recovered from a nightmare start to produce a stunning display to defeat Millstreet by 4-20 to 2-2 in the opening round of the Duhallow Cup played at Millstreet on Friday evening.

John Lane had Newmarket in front thanks to a point in the opening minute but following some slack Newmarket defending, two goals in as many minutes turned matters firmly in Millstreet’s favour. The textbook deadball skills of Bart Daly, a feature throughout, reduced the arrears before John Ryan added a free. Brian O’Riordan attacked with menace throughout as Newmarket put together some excellent moves and he was on hand to kick a fine point in the ninth minute. Two minutes later another excellent move which spanned the length of the pitch ended with T.J. Bodie placing John Lane in on goal and he finished expertly to gain Newmarket the lead, 1-4 to 2-0. A free flowing Newmarket side added to their lead with an array of fine scores from Niall O’Connor, John Ryan, David O’Flynn and Tony O’Keeffe. Millstreet cut the deficit to three points on scoring a point but Tony O’Keeffe responded with a point for Newmarket. Newmarket ended the half with an excellent team goal when once more they put together a slick passing movement and David O’Flynn found himself bearing down on goal and he kept his composure to finish to the net in fine style which left Newmarket in command, 2-9 to 2-1 at half time.

The second half continued in the same vain for Newmarket. Bart Daly slotted over a free before Brian O’Riordan added his second point. Timothy Murphy was on hand to kick a fine team score before John Ryan added two superb efforts. Bart Daly added a further point before a Millstreet point left the score reading 2-15 to 2-2. Newmarket maintained their high standard as John Ryan, John Lane twice and Bart Daly reeled off further scores. As the game entered the final stages John Lane was on hand to convert two close in goals before a Bart Daly free brought an end to a memorable Newmarket display.

The Newmarket team was…

David Quinlan
Pa O’Brien		Barry O’Leary		Brian O’Riordan (0-2)
Niall O’Connor (0-1)		Timothy Murphy (0-1)		Michael Kenneally
	Bart Daly (0-5)		Gerard Casey
John Ryan (0-5)		David O’Flynn (1-1)		Maurice Feehan
T.J. Bodie		Tony O’Keeffe (0-2)		John Lane (3-2)