A win is a win at the end of the day, but the Newtown mentors, while delighted to get over the first round, will know that alot of work will need to be done before thoughts of repeating the 2000 success become a reality.

While the defence could not be faulted as a unit, superbly marshaled by Pat Mulcahy and brother Brendan, it is up front and the middle of the park where Newtown have most cause for concern.

On a difficult day for hurling, with a strong breeze blowing across the superbly prepared Buttevant ground, Newtown got the best possible start scoring 2 goals within the first 15 minutes.

John O'Connor, who many considered lucky to start following a number of poor league performances earlier in the year, looked back to his best scoring 1-01 in the space of 5 minutes. However an off the ball altercation with his opposite number midway through the first half resulting in John picking up what looked to be a leg injury and he did not re-appear following the interval.

Mike Morrissey was the only other forward to make an impact in the first half and went on to have a good game scoring 3 points. However it was also noted that his opposite number did hit a share of ball also.

Newtown went in at the break 2-07 to 0-05 in front but had it not been for a number of missed frees from both Pat Ryan and Kieran Murphy the scores could have been alot closer. Pat Ryan was the best player Sarsfields had on view but his misses from frees really cost his team dearly.

Sarsfields dominated the second half and had it not been for some trojan defending by the Newtown backs things could have been alot different.

Midfield is area that will cause most concern for Tom ryan and his mentors. Declan Murphy never got into his game and his imminent departure to Australia will not help matters. Ian Kelleher is returning from Australia next month but it will take him time to get back into the pace of the game leaving the selectors with plenty food for thought over the next few months.

Newtown are also crying out for a ball winner in the half forward line. In this regard Donal Mulcahy is badly missed. His ability to win possession from the puck outs is his best asset and without him Newtown will struggle against physical teams.

In conclusion while Newtown will be delighted to avoid playing Imokilly in the 2nd round, they will be well aware that the performance yesterday would not do against the likes of Blackrock or Erins Own.

Scorers for Newtownshandrum: B. O’Connor 1-3 (0-2 from frees); John O’Connor 1-1; M. Morrissey 0-3; J. P. King, Jerry O’Connor, J. Bowles and P. Mulcahy (free) 0-1 each.
Sarsfields: K. Murphy 0-7 (0-5 from frees); J. O’Connor 0-2; R. Duggan 0-2; R. Murphy and D. Kenneally 0-1 each.

NEWTOWNSHANDRUM: P, Morrissey; G. O’Mahony, B. Mulcahy, J. McCarthy; P. Noonan, P. Mulcahy, A. G. O’Brien; D. Murphy, A. T. O’Brien; Jerry O’Connor, M. Morrissey, J. P. King; B. O’Connor, John O’Connor, J. Bowles. Subs. D. Naughton for John O’Connor; J. Ryan for Murphy.

SARSFIELDS: P. Gahan; K. Goggin, P. Roche, J. Barry; D. Kenneally, C. McCarthy, R. Ryan; P. Ryan, T. óg Lynch; P. Hanley, K. Murphy, G. McCarthy; J. O’Connor, R. Murphy, R. Duggan. Sub. G. O’Loughlin for Hanley. Referee: R. Murphy.

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