If Sarsfields are to retain the Cork SHC title this year, they will have to do it via the backdoor route after their first round defeat to Newtownshandrum today.

Former All-Ireland kingpins Newtown' won an extra-time thriller by 0-27 to 0-25 at Fermoy to maintain their impressive recent record against the holders. The sides finished level on 0-19 apiece at the end of normal time, but the north Cork men got on top in extra-time thanks to scores from Jamie Coughlan, Cathal Naughton and JP King.

In the earlier game at Fermoy, Eugene O'Leary scored the only goal as last year's 'premier' intermediate champions Ballyhea defeated Blackrock by 1-19 to 0-11.

Conor Lehane hit 0-11 as 2013 winners Midleton eased to a 0-28 to 2-8 win over east Cork rivals Killeagh at Castlemartyr.

In Saturday's first round action, city side Na Piarsaigh crushed Youghal 5-13 to 0-12, while Bride Rovers edged out Bishopstown 3-18 to 0-25 after extra-time.

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