Newmarket’s junior hurlers lose out to Banteer in an entertaining and well contested game played in fine conditions at Banteer on Monday evening, a late return of three points sealing a 0-18 to 1-11 victory for the home side.

Newmarket playing with the aid of a slight breeze took the lead in the second minute with a well taken point from John Lane. Banteer equalized in the fifth minute before Anthony Crowley edged Newmarket in front again in the ninth minute with a superb point from long distance. From the resultant puckout, Anthony Crowley tried his luck again from long range and as another fine effort struck the upright, John Lane reacted fastest before being hauled to the ground to earn a penalty. Anthony Crowley’s resultant effort was pointed and John Lane continued a productive spell for Newmarket by scoring another excellent point in the eleventh minute.

Banteer added a second point but John Lane was on target from a free to give Newmarket a lead of 0-5 to 0-2 after thirteen minutes play. Banteer earned their way back into the game and three points in as many minutes had the sides level for a second time after seventeen minutes. A second penalty of the half was awarded to the home side on twenty minutes, but Newmarket held out as Paudie Allen brilliantly stopped and controlled the goal bound shot.

Newmarket, with Gavin Forde outstanding in defence, ably assisted by Robert and Brendan Stack withstood the Banteer period of pressure and Donnacha Fitzpatrick who impressed at the other end, created and executed another well taken point. Banteer replied before the half time whistle and the sides turned over at the end of a free flowing entertaining thirty minutes, level on 0-6 apiece.

Newmarket were soon off the mark after the restart as the quick reactions of Michael Kenneally yielded a point within seconds. Banteer were again on level terms by the third minute and they took the lead for the first time of the night as they added a further four points by the tenth minute of the half. A superb individual point from the sideline by John Ryan cut the deficit to three points, 0-11 to 0-8 after twelve minutes.

The sides traded points midway through the half with John Lane on target from a free for Newmarket. Another brace of Banteer points stretched their advantage to five points but Newmarket received a significant boost with ten minutes remaining. Gavin Forde fizzed a dangerously flighted free goal wards and the sliother nestled into the top corner of the net. Banteer replied with a point but a rejuvenated Newmarket maintained their challenge and the superb Gavin Forde added to his stock by converting two long range frees which left just a solitary point between the sides with three minutes remaining.

However, it was Banteer who finished strongest and in the ascendancy as three quick fire points dispelled any hope of a Newmarket result and the home side claimed a well earned win.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

Gavin Forde (1-2), John Lane (0-4), Anthony Crowley (0-2), John Ryan (0-1), Donnacha Fitzpatrick (0-1), Michael Kenneally (0-1).

Shane McAuliffe
Michael O’Leary		Robert Stack		Paudie Allen
Gavin Forde		Brendan Stack		Alan Ryan
	John Ryan		Colin O'Sullivan
Billy Daly		Anthony Crowley		Barry O'Leary
Donnacha Fitzpatrick		Michael Kenneally		John Lane
Subs: John McSweeney, Shane Anthony Murphy, Eddie Allen, Barry O’Connor.