Photo: Zak Phelan clears the danger for Sixmilebridge - Credit Ruth Griffin: Clare Echo

Sixmilebridge resuscitated  their TUS Clare Senior Hurling Championship campaign with a hard-earned 1-21 to 2-16 victory over neighbours Newmarket-on-Fergus at Dr Daly Park, Tulla on Saturday.

In a closely fought derby, the sides were level seven times before Sixmilebridge gradually established control. Jamie Shanahan was instrumental, contributing eight points, as the ‘Bridge moved five clear entering the closing stages.

Newmarket refused to surrender and will rue some late chances .Peter Power produced a late burst of 1-01 to reduce the deficit to just a point with a minute of normal time remaining. Sixmilebridge consistently replied at the opposite end, however, as substitute Seán Macnamara restored their two-point advantage. 

Dara Fitzgerald’s second-half goal proved crucial for Sixmilebridge, while David Kennedy and Lorcan Fitzpatrick also made important contributions as John O’Meara’s side secured a vital first championship victory and kept their quarter-final hopes alive with an all-important showdown vs. Kilmaley to come in a fortnight's time.