Newmarket’s junior hurlers got their league campaign off to an ideal start with a big home victory over Dromtariffe by 4-16 to 0-12 at Newmarket on Sunday afternoon. A three goal salvo in a four minute second half spell decisive to paving the way for victory.

Dromtariffe made a lively start scoring two points in as many minutes before Donal Hannon pointed a third minute free for Newmarket. In the seventh minute Donal Hannon went on a brilliant solo run before he unleashed a fierce shot which was superbly saved but in the following sequence, Donal Hannon crashed home from close range for a Newmarket goal. Dromtariffe responded with two points to tie the sides midway through the half. Newmarket forged a lead again through a Donal Hannon free and a Tony O’Keeffe point. The next six points were divided, Donal Hannon adding a brace and Gavin Forde pointing in impressive fashion. Newmarket finished the half brightly as points from Barry O’Connor and Donal Hannon gave the home side a lead of 1-8 to 0-7 at the half time whistle.

The sides exchanged the first two points of the second half with Donal Hannon adding to his increasing tally. Newmarket turned the screw seven minutes into the half as a flurry of goals put the game out of sight. John Scanlon evaded the Dromtariffe defence and unselfishly placed a pass to a well positioned Tony O’Keeffe who made no mistake in finding the net from the edge of the square. Donal Hannon pointed before John Scanlon forced home a third goal as he picked up the pieces following a save from a Barry O’Connor effort. Barry O’Connor was not to be denied as moments later he crashed home a brilliant goal after a fine solo run. Newmarket now led by 4-10 to 0-9 at the end of the third quarter. Ian Flanagan got on the scoresheet before a trio of Donal Hannon points. Two of Newmarket’s top performers, half backs Paudie Allen and Alan Ryan also found the target in the dying stages as Newmarket completed a fine victory.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

Donal Hannon (1-10), Tony O’Keeffe (1-1), Barry O’Connor (1-1), John Scanlon (1-0), Alan Ryan (0-1), Padraig Allen (0-1), Ian Flanagan (0-1), Gavin Forde (0-1)

Shane McAuliffe
Jack Guiney		Jamie Hayes		Michael O’Leary
Donnacha Fitzpatrick		Alan Ryan		Paudie Allen
	Ian Flanagan		Gavin Forde
Jacko Flaherty		Donal Hannon		John Lane
John Scanlon		Tony O'Keeffe		Barry O'Connor
Subs: Daniel O’Doherty, Eoin O’Connell, Billy Lane, Paul Verling, Kevin O’Sullivan