Dromtariffe set the trend for a free flowing contest on pointing within a minutewith Gavin Forde finding the target from a long range point a minute later. David Quinlan showed some great determination in forging out a scoring opportunity for himself before pointing for Newmarket in the eighth minute. In the tenth minute, Donal Hannon managed to flick the ball towards the onrushing Vinny Molloy and he bore down on goalbefore unleashing an unstoppable shot to the roof of the Dromtariffe net for a superb Newmarket goal. Dromtariffe answered with a point and they slowly began to dominatethe next period of the game. Three points followed and the sides were level by the nineteenth minute. Dromtariffe were in full flow at this stage and were knocking over an impressive string of points from very long distances. Three further points put them into athree point lead in a sequence which yielded seven points in succession. Newmarket ended an eighteen minute spell without a score with ace marksman Donal Hannon getting his first point of the contest. He added a second point but on both occasions Dromtariffe hit back with points. As an entertaining half concluded it was Dromtariffe who enjoyed alead of 0-10 to 1-4 at the turnover.

Dromtariffe increased their advantage within two minutes of the resumption. Despite a Donal Hannon point, Dromtariffe soon restored their four point advantage.Newmarket took a grip on proceedings at this stage. David Quinlan added two points to his tally before a Donal Hannon point left just a point between the sides, 0-12 to 1-8. Dromtariffe added the next point but Newmarket maintained their momentum, Donal Hannon pointing once more before a fine score from Vinny Molloy had the sides level fora third time and the game perfectly poised entering the final quarter. Newmarket hit the front thanks to Donal Hannon and a Jacko Flaherty point doubled the lead. The pendulum swung back towards Dromtariffe in the latter stages and two quickfire points restored parity once more. As the clock ticked towards a conclusion Dromtariffe edged ahead. Newmarket had one final chance to rescue the contest and Donal Hannon kept hiscomposure to split the posts for an equalizing point and both sides had to settle for extra time after a rip roaring game ended 1-13 to 0-16.

Dromtariffe gained the early advantage in extra time pointing within two minutes. Great credit was due to both sides for their endeavours throughout and despite obviously tiring limbs the commitment and desire of all involved was first class. Dromtariffe took a two point lead before Newmarket had their first score of extra time onGavin Forde pointing a free. Newmarket ended the first half on a major high when JackoFlaherty saw his effort creep over the line for a second Newmarket goal who took the leadonce more at 2-14 to 0-19.

Donal Hannon pointed on the resumption but Dromtariffe answered with a point instantly. As the game entered the final moments two superbly taken points from Donal Hannon gave Newmarket a three point advantage. Dromtariffe threw everything into onelast desperate attack. As the ball dropped dangerously towards the Newmarket goal, excellent custodian Shane McAuliffe produced a wonderful save, however despairinglythe rebound was finished clinically by an alert Dromtariffe forward for a sensational equalizing goal. This provided the final segment of play and fittingly both sides will get another chance to claim the prize on offer.

A number of individuals performed heroically. For Newmarket, goalkeeper ShaneMcAuliffe was confident throughout, with Padraig Allen and Michael O’Leary extremely resolute in defence. Nicky Barrett had a fine game in the half back line while in attack Vinny Molloy impressed along with prolific talisman Donal Hannon.

Shane McAuliffe
	Padraig Allen		Michael O’Leary
Alan Ryan		Jack Birtley		Nicky Barrett
	Gavin Forde (0-2)		Vinny Molloy (1-1)
David Enright		Ivan King		Donal Hannon (0-10)
	David Quinlan (0-3)
Subs: Jacko Flaherty (1-1), Patrick Kelly, David Enright, Billy Lane