The Vale Star
Thursday, 25th July 2002

U12 County Semi-Final:
Sunday 21st July 2002
Newtown 2-9 Midleton 2-11

I suppose it's not often you win a game, draw it and then lose it. Such was the scenario for the U12 hurlers in their marathon tussle with Midleton in the semi-final of the championship.

In a tremendous contest last Sunday, they believed they were victorious at Mitchelstown by 6-10 to 5-11. Their joy was short-lived, however, when the referee gave the score as 6-10 apiece. Despite appeals, no change was forthcoming on the officials' part and the contest was re-fixed for last Tuesday (23rd July 2002) at the same venue. Again a marvellous contest ensued, and at the end of normal time the sides were deadlocked at 2-7 each.

Extra time was deemed necessary, which was hard work for youngsters of that age. At the interval of this extra time, which was hard work for youngsters of that age. At the interval of this extra time, both sides were still deadlocked. The final period of extra time saw us go into the lead with a score of excellence from young Billy Clifford but the next three scores went to Midleton which gave them a two-point lead. Gallant attempts at reducing the gap came to nothing and when the Magpies keeper brought off a great save on the goal-line our hopes of reaching the final were truly dashed.

A disallowed second-half goal to Newtown was to prove the difference between victory and defeat. No doubt a heartbreaking defeat for this talented bunch of youngsters whose day in the sun is indeed near at hand.

It would be unfair to single out any one of them for mention as each one of them gave their all. Thanks to all those people who came out in support of the lads.

Scorers for Newtown:
Billy Clifford 1-4, Jamie Coughlan 1-4, Jonathan Lane 0-1

U-12A County Semi-Final
Sunday, 21st July 2002
Newtownshandrum 5-11 Midleton 5-11

Controversy surrounded the finale of this might battle in Mitchelstown last night (Sunday 21st July 2002). Most people present at the venus felt that Newtown had won this game by 2 points and had in actual fact scored 5-13 !! However, the referee has the final say so it's back for more next week !.

Cork County U12 A Hurling Championship
Newtown, 15th July 2002
Newtownshandrum 7 - 09   Eire Og 2 - 3



North Cork U12 A Hurling Championship Final
Buttevant, 7th July 2002
Newtownshandrum 5 - 10   Sean Clarachs 4 - 2