Petch treble spurs Newtown to cup glory

Munster U18 hitman Jamie Petch ended his schools hockey career in style as his hat-trick helped Newtown retain the Munster Senior B Schoolboys Cup with a 4-1 final defeat of Villiers. The Kilbrittain, Co Cork native put his side in front after a tense opening 15 minutes when he deflected home Wilko Von Schaffer’s cross, before doubling the advantage from the penalty spot after he was impeded in the circle. Daire McBride then won the Waterford outfit a short corner which was converted by another Munster U18 man, Sam Butler, for a healthy 3-0 lead at the break. Villiers were a different proposition in the second half however, dominating for long periods before Munster U16’s David Cardy gave the Limerick school a lifeline. But Newtown goalkeeper and skipper Sliabh Wells and Alex Hackett kept the hosts’ goal intact thereafter and Petch sealed it with 10 minutes to go, Von Schaffer again providing the assist following good build-up work from Butler and fellow midfielder Alan Jephson. Thanks to Stuart Greene for his help with this report. More pictures to follow on the Southern Fried Hockey Facebook page later tonight.