Two second half Millstreet goals proved critical as they defeated Newmarket in an entertaining Singleton Cup Final at sunny Castlemagner on Sunday afternoon by 2-12 to 0-15.

Millstreet got off the mark on pointing a free in the opening seconds but at the other end Donal Hannon pointed twice by similar means after four minutes of play. Millstreet tied proceedings in the sixth minute and aided by the breeze they added two more points to gain a lead midway through the half. Newmarket remained in close proximity with Donal Hannon again on target from a placed ball before an excellent Michael Kenneally score levelled the sides for a third time. Both sides understandably hit wides as they settled, given the long break from competitive fare, and the contest developed into a free flowing game. Millstreet added two points before Michael Kenneally scored his second point of the half. Millstreet doubled their lead as they entered the break with a lead of 0-7 to 0-5.

Newmarket resumed the second half in blistering fashion as they turned around with the wind at their backs. A Donal Hannon free, an outstanding effort from the excellent Tony O’Keeffe and a well taken score from John Lane enabled Newmarket to regain the lead within three minutes of the restart. Millstreet pointed as the sides were again on terms for a fourth time. Donal Hannon earned a slender Newmarket lead again as the team took inspiration from the exerting influences of Ian Flanagan, John Lane, Kevin O’Sullivan and Tony O’Keeffe.

Newmarket were then rattled nine minutes into the half. A long distance Millstreet free came down off the upright and the rebound was pounced upon and crashed to the net for the games opening goal. Newmarket delivered numerous balls into the Millstreet defence throughout the half and on one such occasion, Alan Ryan and Bryan O’Connell combined to set up John Lane who finished with a sublime point.

The sides traded the next four points as Newmarket’s midfield duo of Kevin O’Sullivan and John Lane added another couple of memorable points. As the game entered the final ten minutes, a pointed Millstreet free gave them a two point advantage. Newmarket were then inspired as a couple of top class Donal Hannon points restored parity with little over six minutes remaining. With Newmarket set to push on for the finish, they were left reeling as Millstreet fired home a second goal. The excellent John Lane added a swift point, but time was running out as Newmarket tried to rescue the contest. Millstreet stretched their lead to three points and for the remaining minutes, Newmarket tried in vain to manufacture an equalizing goal.

The final whistle inevitably followed and Newmarket just fell short of finishing a positive season with silverware.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

Donal Hannon (0-7), John Lane (0-4), Michael Kenneally (0-2), Kevin O’Sullivan (0-1), Tony O’Keeffe (0-1)

Shane McAuliffe
Ian Flanagan		Robert Stack		Paudie Allen
Alan Ryan		Brendan Stack		Gavin Forde
	Kevin O'Sullivan		John Lane
Michael Kenneally		Colin O'Sullivan		Tony O'Keeffe
Bryan O'Connell		Jacko Flaherty		Donal Hannon
Subs: Barry O’Connor, Shane Murphy, Anthony Crowley