A strong second half showing enabled Kilbrin to claim victory over Newmarket by 0-19 to 1-11 in a junior hurling league clash played at Newmarket on Friday night.

Heavy rain in the days and hours preceding the throw in ensured a soft surface but both sides went on to provide an entertaining contest on an otherwise bright and pleasant evening. Newmarket were first off the mark thanks to their talisman Donal Hannon and he stretched the advantage on pointing from long distance. Kilbrin opened their account but John Scanlon ensured Newmarket remained in front on scoring his sides third point. Newmarket hurled well with Eoin O’Connell, Jamie Hayes and Nicky Flanagan a solid base in the full back line. The game flowed from end to end as the next six points were divided. Donal Hannon pointed from halfway, while Shane Murphy and John Scanlon followed suit in the scoring prowess. Donal Hannon offloaded to midfield partner Colin O’Sullivan with a stylish pass and the strike was clinical as Newmarket took a lead of 0-7 to 0-4 entering the final ten minutes of the half. Kilbrin turned the tables and a purple patch yielded five points from all angles in a productive six minute spell. Colin O’Sullivan returned the compliment to Donal Hannon with a neat pass and the finish from long range was unerring as Newmarket brought the scoring to a half full of highlights to a conclusion with Kilbrin holding a slender lead of 0-9 to 0-8.

Kilbrin resumed on the front foot and two converted frees followed within five minutes. Newmarket responded with Donal Hannon picking out Michael Cottrell by the sideline and the young substitute showed great composure and ability on finding the target with a stunning point from a most difficult angle. The next two points were shared as Donal Hannon kept Newmarket within two points, 0-12 to 0-10 after nine minutes of the half. Kilbrin began to gain the ascendency and following a point in the forty first minute, Newmarket goalkeeper Shane McAuliffe was called into action and produced a stunning point blank save to keep his goal intact. Two additional Kilbrin points left the visitors with a five point cushion by the end of the third quarter. Donal Hannon kept Newmarket in touch on pointing a free but Kilbrin were clinical on the scoreboard and answered with another brace of points. With the game entering the final five minutes Newmarket ensured a close finish to the contest. Donal Hannon struck a close in free goalwards and while the crowded and well marshalled goalline dealt with the shot in the resulting melee the ball crept over the line for the games only goal. Kilbrin responded in quick fashion and confirmed their victory with two insurance points to bring an entertaining game to a conclusion.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

Donal Hannon (1-6), John Scanlon (0-2), Colin O’Sullivan (0-1), Shane Murphy (0-1), Michael Cottrell (0-1)

Shane McAuliffe
Eoin O'Connell		Jamie Hayes		Nicky Flanagan
Ian Flanagan		John Ryan		Alan Ryan
	Donal Hannon		Colin O'Sullivan
Jonathan Flaherty		Shane Murphy		Eddie Allen
Billy Lane		John Scanlon		Michael Kenneally
Subs: Michael Cottrell, Donnacha Fitzpatrick, Daniel O’Doherty