The Clare Senior Hurling Championship of 2022 started with a bang as the county’s most successful clubs in neighbors Newmarket On Fergus and Sixmilebridge were hoping to get one over on each other at Cusack Park Ennis.
It was the Blues who started the sharper as Enda Barrett won the first free of the day inside the opening minute inspiring his side to claim the first three scores of the contest from Liam Clancy , Peter Power and Mikey McInerney, however when Jamie Shanahan responded with his first placed ball for the Bridge , a nip and tuck battle ensued.
Both respective free takers in Liam Clancy and Shanahan displayed flawless accuracy for their sides whilst Cathal Malone , Shane Golden and Brian Carey were to the fore for the Bridge men in terms of scoring threat ably assisted by the marauding runs and chance creation of midfielder Seadna Morey.
However the first goal of the 2022 championship on nineteen minutes from Harty Cup Winner Peter Power and further contributions from Mikey McInerney and Colin Ryan sent Newmarket into the break with the minimum advantage.
At Half time the score board read Newmarket On Fergus 1-09 to Sixmilebridge 0-11.
On the restart county panelist Shane Golden levelled matters before Cathal Lynch would put the Bridge men back in front. The county champions of 2020 found another gear in the second period and as Jamie Shanahan continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over from placed balls, the usual suspects of Seadna Morey, Cathal Malone and Brian Carey would compliment this with some fantastic points from play.
Colin Ryan, Peter Power and Colin Guilfoyle did their best to reduce the arrears leading the Newmarket fight back however crucial saves from Derek Fahy and stubborn Sixmilebridge defending ensured Seán Stack’s side would eventually run out winners on a scoreline of 0-23 to 1-13.
Newmarket will take on Whitegate in round two of group one next Saturday in Tulla on July 30th whilst Sixmilebridge will face Feakle next in Cusack Park on Sunday July 31st
