Newmarket-on-Fergus 3-10
Cratloe 0-9

Clare's most successful hurling club, Newmarket-on-Fergus, came in from the cold to claim their 23rd Canon Hamilton Cup after storming to victory over local rivals Cratloe in poor conditions at Cusack Park, Ennis.

In capturing their first title since 1981, Newmarket overpowered the 2009 champions, which was surprising given the recent history of close contests between the sides. The winners got off to the perfect start when corner forward Shane O'Brien lashed home a first-minute goal after the Cratloe defence had failed to clear James McInerney's long delivery from a free.

O'Brien grabbed his second goal in the 21st minute after being set up by full forward Anthony Kilmartin and the champions-elect were 2-5 to 0-3 in front coming up to half-time. But with Conor McGrath and Cathal McInerney impressive up front, Cratloe had closed the gap to six points, 0-6 to 2-6, by the break.

Bob Enright's charges re-established their eight-point lead on the restart thanks to a brace of Colin Ryan points. With James McInerney, Eoin O'Brien and captain Enda Barrett outstanding at the back for Newmarket, Cratloe struggled to create scoring chances and their fate was sealed when Ryan scored a superb third goal with five minutes remaining.

Cratloe's Sean Collins could have pulled back a goal in the closing stages, but was denied by a brilliant save from Newmarket 'keeper Darran Duggan.

Newmarket: D Duggan, E OBrien, J McInerney, S OConnor, N OConnor, E Barrett (Capt.), A Barrett, E Hayes, M OHanlon, M McInerney, C Ryan (1-8, seven frees), D Barrett (0-2), S OBrien (2-0), A Kilmartin, S OBrien Snr. Subs: J Liddy for Kilmartin (43 mins), R Goode for Hayes (58 mins), N Enright for D Barrett (59 mins).

Cratloe: S Hayes, J OGorman, B Duggan (Capt), E Boyce, M Hawes, C Ryan, L Markham (0-1, 65) M Murphy, S Chaplin, P Collins, D Ryan, S Collins (0-1), C McInerney (0-1), C McGrath (0-5, four frees), G Ryan. Subs: D Browne (0-1) for Duggan (22 mins), A Browne for D Ryan (h-t), S OLeary for G Ryan (38 mins), S Gleeson for Chaplin (45 mins).

Referee: A Heagney (Corofin) Tweet

Most Read Stories