Newmarket-on-Fergus booked their place in the U16 B Shield Final when they survived a second half comeback from Crusheen/Tubber.
Newmarket-on-Fergus 4-12
Crusheen/Tubber 1-12
Venue: Fr Murphy Memorial Park
Nine points was the difference between the sides at full-time as Newmarket set up a Shield Final clash with The Banner next weekend having overcome a determined Crusheen/Tubber amalgamation.
They set the foundations in the opening half as they held a sixteen point advantage. Credit to the North Clare side who went down fighting and ensured the Blues had a nervy finish to proceedings outscoring the winners 1-09 1-02 in the second half.
Two excellent goals from Peter Power set Newmarket on their way. The first came with the opposing goalkeeper clearing the ball in his direction, Power’s first touch was sublime and he didn’t need to catch sliotar instead controlled and struck the sliotar to the net. His second was a simple yet awesome finish, a cross-field delivery from Jason Duggan was calmly flicked home.
Owen McCoy laid an early maker for the hosts when he goaled on the sixth minute. McCoy appeared to have been blocked and although he broke his hurley he managed to raise a green flag which ensured the break was worth it.
Newmarket’s dominance was made possible by their ability to point from distance. However their second half will serve as a reminder that the game isn’t over to the final whistle as Crusheen/Tubber led by the impressive Eanna McMahon made the Blues sweat it out. The win secures a place in the U16 B Shield Final where they will play The Banner next weekend after they edged their way past rivals Éire Óg.
Newmarket-on-Fergus: Cian Foley; Callum Blake, David Frost, Kieran McMahon; Darragh Whelan, Darragh Burke, Paudi Guilfoyle; Jack Enright, Jason Duggan; David Hall, James Barry, Stephen Casey; Peter Power, Shane Lynch, Owen McCoy.
Referee: Jarlath Donnellan (Wolfe Tones)