Newmarket were defeated by Kilbrin in their latest outing in the junior hurling league at sunny Kilbrin on Sunday afternoon, the home side claiming a scrappy encounter in comfortable fashion by 3-11 to 1-5.
Newmarket had the aid of a significantly strong breeze as the first half commenced. The opening exchanges were tight and close as both sides adapted to the windy conditions. Newmarket opened the scoring in the eighth minute with John Lane floating a free between the posts from distance. Kilbrin levelled three minutes later but the game endured a lengthy stoppage at this stage as Alan Ryan had to depart the pitch with an injury and a Kilbrin player also had to receive treatment. The pattern of play became very broken and disjointed with several stoppages. John Lane edged Newmarket in front but in the following minute Kilbrin capitalized on an opportunity to score a goal to deflate the Newmarket challenge. The Newmarket defensive rearguard to a man hurled valiantly throughout with Robert Stack, John McSweeney and Paudie Allen heroic at times. Kilbrin added four points before in injury time a second goal crushed Newmarket hopes, as the home side took an interval lead of 2-5 to 0-2.

Newmarket struggled to make an impact up front but Anthony Crowley pointed two minutes after the restart. Despite opportunities, Newmarket made errors at crucial stages and were often left frustrated from their efforts. At the opposite end, Kilbrin found the net for a third time. Anthony Crowley was again on target and when John Lane pointed ten minutes into the half, Newmarket eclipsed their first half total despite now playing against the strong breeze. Kilbrin were far more clinical and sharper throughout and six points in succession cemented their dominance on the scoreboard. Newmarket kept plugging away until the final whistle and were rewarded at the death when a well worked move ended with the ball scrambling over the line following a shot from close range by Eddie Allen.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

John Lane (0-3), Eddie Allen (1-0), Anthony Crowley (0-2).

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