IAHC: Michael Cahalane in clinical form as Bandon top group and condemn Mayfield to relegation decider

Bandon 1-25 Mayfield 1-15 

Michael Cahalane’s 12-point haul inspired Bandon to victory over Mayfield in the Co-Op Superstores Cork Intermediate AHC at a rain-lashed Ballinhassig last Saturday.

The Lilywhites knew victory was essential to be in with a chance of reaching the knockout stages.

Russell Rovers' two-point win over Midleton in the corresponding Group 1 fixture meant Bandon finished top on scoring difference after all three were level on four points apiece. Despite losing, the Magpies' second team still progressed to the quarter-finals.

Sars and Aghada finished the group stages unbeaten so they secured semi-final berths, with Aghabullogue and Erin's Own's second team also moving into the quarters. Russell Rovers, after two wins, and Ballygiblin, a win and a draw, were unlucky to be squeezed out on the last day of round-robin action. 

Mayfield needed a result to avoid the probability of a relegation play-off, but couldn't gain the upper hand despite it being 1-10 apiece at the break. They'll now face Youghal to avoid the drop to Premier Junior.

Amidst incessant showers, the teams were level three times during the opening 17 minutes. Shane O’Donovan (four, three frees) and Dave Malone were on target for Mayfield. Michael Cahalane, Charlie Long, Conor Calnan, Darren Crowley and Eolann McSweeney struck for Bandon.

Then, a turning point as Kevin Punch’s long-range attempt ended up in Bandon’s net. Seven first-half wides blighted their chances of pulling clear while an off-colour Bandon took a long time to get going.

It was 1-8 to 0-8 by the 25th minute prior to a late flurry of scores. Mark Sugrue and Jack Cullinane swapped points with Kelly (two frees). Right on the stroke of half-time, Mayfield failed to clear a free and Jack Cullinane pounced to net an opportunistic goal.

1-10 apiece at the break, the second half belonged to a rejuvenated Bandon. Former Cork hurler Cahalane led the way, finishing with 0-12 and some of the forward’s long-range shooting was of the highest order.

Unable to replicate their first-half performance, Mayfield battled gamely but added a mere five points, three of those Nicky Kelly frees. Bandon march on while Mayfield are left to fight for their IAHC status.

Scorers for Bandon: M Cahalane 0-12 (0-5 f, 0-3 65), J Cullinane 1-2, M Sugrue 0-3, C Long, C Calnan, D Crowley 0-2 each, E McSweeney, R Fogarty 0-1 each.

Mayfield: S O’Donovan (0-4 f), N Kelly (f) 0-5 each, K Punch 1-0, D Malone, D O’Neill 0-2 each, MJ Coffey 0-1.

BANDON: P Barry; C Twomey, E Twomey, N McCarthy; C Lynch, P Murphy, D O’Donovan; M Cahalane (captain), C Long; D Crowley; M Sugrue, C Calnan; C McCarthy, E McSweeney, J Cullinane.

Subs: J Buckley for C Twomey (40), R Long for C McCarthy (48), P Calnan for N McCarthy (48), R Fogarty for D O’Donovan (52, inj).

MAYFIELD: A Hegarty; B O’Leary, B Punch, S Keegan; E O’Sullivan, K Punch, L Malone; F McSweeney, D O’Neill; D Malone, E Scanlon, N Kelly (captain); MJ Coffey, C O’Donovan, S O’Donovan.

Subs: A Walsh for B O’Leary (6, inj), S Kelly for D Malone (52), A Mullery for E O’Sullivan (56), K Cusack for E Scanlon (60).

Referee: John Ryan (Macroom).