One day short of the anniversary of their first ever Munster Senior Boys Hockey cup final win, Newtown Secondary School won a tense cup final at Garryduff in Cork City and retained the Munster title.

This was made extra special because it meant the school won the ‘double double’, the Munster senior boys league and cup for two years running.

Bandon Grammer of Cork, the losing finalists on both occasions were highly motivated and up for revenge this year. Unlike last year’s dramatic victory, coming back from a two goal deficit to snatch victory in the last seconds, this was a much more tense affair.

Two dominant defences dictated the game, along with a host of missed opportunities from short corners, the Bandon goalkeeper ultimately and deservedly winning the POTM. While Newtown had the best of the chances it was a penalty stroke in the 3rd quarter that finally separated the two teams.

Dispatched by Ryan Williams this goal proved the difference, and even though Bandon pushed and pushed in the final quarter Newtown held them at bay until the final whistle.
Newtown were coached by Stuart Greene, who over the past ten years has guided the school from the Munster B league to become the dominant force at schoolboy level in the province.

The future also looks bright as the team will retain all bar three of this year’s squad when looking for the triple double next year.