While a victory was the primary target of both side, neither will look back at this encounter with many fond memories.

On the Ballyhea side, they will look to two point from play as a very poor return. They had several bad wides and only Darren Ronan in the corner mad any real impact of their six forwards.

On the Newtown side, while this game never looked like it was going to be lost, there were a number of aspects of the game that won't have gone down too well with team Management.

Firstly their ability to cope with the physical challenge which you can always be assured of from Ballyhea left alot to be desired. Too often it was a Ballyhea player who came out on top when the game was at it most physical.

Most of the Newtown players have been involved in games much bigger than this one, but they seemed totally caught up in the hype that surrounds Ballyhea - Newtown games. As a result quiet a few players performed below par.

Secondly while the Newtown forwards started well( all of the half forward line scoring from play) as the game wore on it was the Ballyhea backs that got the upper hand and were finishing strongest.

There were also some positives to be taken. The backs all played well with Pat Mulcahy and Philip Noonan particularly impressive. Alan O'Brien was under some pressure in the corner where his lack of pace was exposed. Ben O'Connor, after a quiet start, showed his class with some great scores from play.

Finally, both teams have alot of work to do between now and championship if they are to become serious competitors for championship honors.