Michael Cahalane and Mark Sugrue on song as Bandon beat Erin's Own to ease IAHC relegation fears

Bandon 2-20 Erins Own 2-12 

A determined Bandon side staved off the threat of relegation in the Co-Op Superstores IAHC at Riverstick as first-half goals from Rory Desmond and Ciaran McCarthy proved to be crucial.

With Bandon needing to make an early statement, Michael Cahalane was on target for two points in the opening three minutes. While both sides were guilty of some wayward shooting Cahalane and Darren Crowley had Bandon up-4 to 0-0.

Erins Own finally got on the score sheet after 10 minutes with an Alan Bowen point, quickly followed by a Ronan Blackton score. Mark Sugrue (2) and Cahalane scored to two Blackton points: 0-7 to 0-4 after 16 minutes.

However, the game changed when Sugrue fed Ciaran McCarthy who blasted home and they pushed on with the impressive Sugrue, Cahalane and Charlie Long all raising flags.

Erins Own had only managed a point during the same period and their woes were increased with another goal through Rory Desmond. Bandon were in total control with a comfortable half-time lead of 2-14 to 0-6.          

After 32 minutes, Stephen Hogan found the net which ignited the Imokilly side's challenge.

A minute later, Erins Own should have added a second goal as Bowen fed O’Connell but he could only find the side netting.

With Bowen and Desmond swapping scores this game was beginning to liven up before the experienced Cahalane steadied the ship with a point.

However, Erins Own had no intention of throwing in the towel as a Bowen short free found Hogan and he buried the ball from just outside the square on 44 minutes.

Kieran Murphy sent over a beauty on 47 looking to break Bandon’s resistance but Bandon led by Sugrue and excellent former Cork senior Cahalane saw this game out.

Scorers for Bandon: M Cahalane 0-8 (0-4 f), M Sugrue 0-5, R Desmond 1-1, E McSweeney, C Long, D Crowley 0-2 each, C McCarthy 1-0.

Erins Own: S Horgan 2-0, A Bowen 0-5 f, R Blackton 0-3, K Murphy 0-2, S Power, T Connell 0-1 each.

BANDON: J McSweeney; N McCarthy, C Calan, C Twomey; D O’Donovan, P Murphy, T Twohig; M Cahalane, C Long; D Crowley, M Sugrue, R Long; E McSweeney, E Desmond, C McCarthy.

Subs: S Ahern for E McSweeney (38), J Mulcahy for C McCarthy (50) C Lynch for R Desmond (55).

ERINS OWN: T Dillion; B Nolan, P Fitzgerald, A Moynihan; D Twomey, I O’Mahony, S Cronin; G O’Mahony, S Power; R Blackthorn, A Bowen, T Connell; C Casey, K Murphy. S Horgan.

Subs: J Mahon for S Power (44), C Linehan for C Casey (44).

Referee: Alan O'Connor (Ballygarvan).