IAHC wrap: Mark Sugrue equaliser leaves Bandon unbeaten

Mark Sugrue was the Bandon saviour as his late point earned the Lilywhites a draw in Sunday’s Co-op SuperStores Cork IAHC west Cork derby.

After a fiercely fought hour in Ballinspittle, Sugrue’s score gave last year’s beaten finalists Bandon 1-15 to match the 2-12 scored by neighbours Kilbrittain, who claimed county, Munster and All-Ireland junior honours last season.

With both clubs having won their opening matches and Saturday’s game between Aghada and Russell Rovers also finishing level, the Carbery pair are in the driving seat but there is a very delicate ecosystem to the section.

Kilbrittain, for whom Philip Wall and Luke Griffin netted, and Bandon – who benefited from a late goal by Pat Barry – are on three points each, with their east Cork companions on one each.

The avoidance of defeat will be enough for Kilbrittain and/or Bandon but, if one should lose and the other does not, they would be eliminated on a head-to-head tie-break. If Aghada and Russell Rovers were both to win, then all four teams would be tied on three points, in which case scoring difference would determine the final placings.

Mallow are top of Group 2 following their draw with Kildorrery in Glanworth. Seán Hayes got 1-5 of their 1-25, which equated to the 5-13 scored by their opponents – Luke Keating got 2-9 while Pierce Pigott, Finbarr Stapleton and Tadhg Murphy all scored goals, too.

On Saturday, Midleton enjoyed a 2-19 to 1-19 win over Blackrock in Riverstown, a result which drew the Magpies level with the Rockies on two points each. Aaron Mulcahy landed nine points for the winners, whose goals came courtesy of Killian Burke and Daragh Egan.

In Group 3, Sarsfields made it safely through to the knockout stages with a game to spare as they beat Youghal by 3-19 to 2-14 in Shanagarry on Sunday.

Sars, who had Kerry hurler Evan Murphy involved in championship action for the first time, had goals from Cian McCarthy – who scored 1-9 – Seán King and Rory O’Brien. James Murray scored 1-10 for Youghal, Alan Frahill-O’Connor also netting, and they will now face Erin’s Own in a winner-take-all final-round tie.

James O’Flynn scored 2-2 as the Caherlag side responded to their opening defeat by Sars to overcome Ballygiblin by 2-13 to 1-12 in Ballyhooly on Saturday, a result which eliminates the north Cork side.