Newtownbutler claimed the Under-16 Division One league title with a 7-10 to 3-09 victory over Derrylin, inspired by a Daithi Fitzpatrick hat-trick and two goals from captain Jim Sherry.

A one-sided outcome was signposted by half time, at which stage the the young First Fermanagh’s led by six points, thanks to a Fitzpatrick goal, shortly after he had missed from the penalty spot.

The Derrylin boys, despite conceding physical advantage in virtually every sector, were competitive for the opening half before Newtown’s late 1-01 first put daylight between them.

But the young O’Connell’s were to be overwhelmed in the second half by the power, pace and finishing prowess of the very well equipped winners.

Newtown in control

The opening quarter saw points traded with Newtown’ scores by Tom Maguire, Fitzpatrick and Sherry, cancelled by Ryan Gilheaney, Darragh Boyle and Jayden Smith points for Derrylin.

The winners then surged ahead from a rapid fire Fionn Carson trio, before Smith pulled one back, but that was soon answered by a 21st minute Danny McCaffrey effort.

After Daithi Fitzpatrick got on to the scoreboard from a free, he was fouled for a penalty, only for the effort to be foiled by a combination of goalkeeper Fearghal Owens and the upright.

He made full amends through clinically netting in the 29th minute at the end of a slick passing move, to lift his side into a 1-07 to 0-04 half-time lead.

It didn’t take Newtown’ long to start establishing their winning authority with Sherry rising high to palm home a 33rd minute Euan Forde delivery.

Although Boyle did point a Derrylin free from the kickout, Fitzpatrick finished a Sherry effort to the net just two minutes later after another incisive attack, for a double figures lead.

Sherry quickly turned provider for Ben Crudden to palm to the net, effectively ensuring no way back for Derrylin.

Despite the best efforts of Boyle, who hit a brace of consolation goals, with Evan Prior, Ollie Maguire and Ryan Gilheaney pointing, the O’Connell’s slipped further and further behind.

Fitzpatrick, increasingly to the fore, rounded off his hat-trick by cutting in for a 40th minute goal, Sherry palmed home for the second time in 47th minute.

Fitzpatrick netted again three minutes from the end to round off winners impressive scoring before Derrylin finished with an Ethan Brown point and a Ryan McCusker goal.