Newmarket began the playing season with victory away to Castlemagner in Division 2 of the Ducon Cup at the latter’s venue, in a game played in splendid sunshine on Sunday by 0-9 to 1-4.

In a game played in perfect conditions, both sides took time in the initial stages to settle into a pattern. Newmarket took the lead in the fifth minute thanks to a fine point from Seanie Francis O’Connor. Newmarket increased their lead thanks to their lively corner forward Ian Flanagan who was prominent throughout, before a trademark Seanie Francis O’Connor finish gave Newmarket a three point advantage.

The full forward line was very prominent, won a lot of possession and looked potent in possession. The third member of the trio, Shane Murphy was next on the scoresheet and he added two quickfire points as Newmarket enjoyed a five point advantage at the end of the opening quarter. Newmarket also performed resolutely in defence and it was the nineteenth minute before Castlemagner registered their opening point. Newmarket failed to build on their early platform and became wasteful in attack with several efforts dropping short. Eventually, their impressive wing back Anthony Crowley surged forward and he clipped over a fine point. Castlemagner pointed in injury time which left the half time score 0-6 to 0-2 in Newmarket’s favour at the halfway mark.

Newmarket increased their advantage thanks once more to the endeavours of Ian Flanagan but Castlemagner quickly replied with a point. Both sides struggled to breach the respective defences for long spells and it took until the fifteenth minute of the half for the next point, when Nicky Flanagan converted a long distance free. Once more, Castlemagner struck immediately with a point but Newmarket continued to enjoy a four point lead. Midfielder, Timothy Murphy added a superb point for Newmarket well into the final ten minutes, but Castlemagner upped the tempo for the remainder of the game as they sought to salvage a result.

Newmarket defended excellently with John Scanlon and John McSweeney prominent while Kevin O’Sullivan launched many counter attacks from his half back position. Castlemagner searched for a goal and their perseverance eventually paid off when they found the net in the closing minutes. A tentative few minutes followed for Newmarket but they saw out the remaining moments to claim victory.

The Newmarket team was…

David Quinlan
John Scanlon		John McSweeney		Brendan Stack
Sean Doody		Kevin O’Sullivan		Anthony Crowley (0-1)
	Robert Stack		Timothy Murphy (0-1)
Nicky Flanagan (0-1)		Colin O’Sullivan		Michael Kenneally
Ian Flanagan (0-2)		Shane Murphy (0-2)		Seanie Francis O’Connor (0-2)
SUBS: Trevor Murphy, Shane Anthony Murphy, Donnacha Fitzpatrick, David Guiney