Newmarket began smartly and John Lane set the tone for an outstanding personal display on pointing within seconds of the throw in. Mallow levelled from a free before edging in front with a fourth minute point.

Conditions deteriorated as driving rain became a feature but both sides served up an entertaining encounter. John Lane restored parity with a well taken individual point only for the home side to reclaim the lead after eleven minutes. Midway through the half, T.J. Brosnan burst out from defence with a surging solo run that instigated a fine move also involving Timothy Murphy and David O’Flynn before Nicky Flanagan placed John Lane in on goal and the in form corner forward rattled the net for a Newmarket goal.

Seanie Francis O’Connor clipped over a point from close range as Newmarket forged a three point advantage. Newmarket created a number of clear cut chances but failed to add to their tally while at the other end, the defence survived a few narrow escapes. Mallow did score the next two points as Newmarket enjoyed a slender lead of 1-3 to 0-5 at the turnover.

Newmarket resumed in impressive manner with substitutes Michael Kenneally and Eddie Allen making telling contributions. Bart Daly left the home defence in his wake before offloading for John Lane to finish with a point, two minutes after the restart. T.J. Bodie converted a free before Eddie Allen was on hand to kick a point following the creative exploits of John Lane and Bart Daly.

A Mallow point left the score reading 1-6 to 0-6 after eleven minutes of the half but Newmarket responded with two further points. T.J. Bodie pointed before Michael Kenneally added a spectacular score from distance. The sides shared the next four points, T.J. Bodie on target twice for Newmarket, his first point a quite sublime quality kick from a narrow angle.

As the game entered the final five minutes, Mallow stepped up their challenge and in one action packed cameo, substitute goalkeeper Niall O’Connor produced two outstanding saves, either side of the ball also hitting the upright. Mallow found the net on being awarded a late penalty but Denys O’Brien inspired a late Newmarket flurry with Eddie Allen sealing victory with his second point.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

John Lane (1-3), T.J. Bodie (0-4), Eddie Allen (0-2), Seanie Francis O’Connor (0-1), Michael Kenneally (0-1).

David Quinlan
T. J. Brosnan		Denys O'Brien		Brian O’Riordan
Barry O'Leary		Mark Reidy		Bart Daly
	Colin O'Sullivan		Tim Murphy
David O’Flynn		Seanie Francis O Connor		Tony O'Keeffe
T.J. Bodie		Nicky Flanagan		John Lane
Subs: Michael Kenneally, Eddie Allen, Niall O’Connor