IAHC: Michael Cahalane and Mark Sugrue impress as Bandon squeeze past Russell Rovers 

Bandon 0-18 Russell Rovers 0-17  

In what was a pulsating encounter at Páirc Uí Rinn on Friday night, Bandon came out on top to advance to the Co-Op Superstores Cork Intermediate A Hurling Championship knockout stages thanks to a Cathal Lynch point.

Mark Sugrue and Michael Cahalane once again proved why they are men Bandon can trust and rely upon when the chips are down. However, both clubs contributed what was a compelling battle that had all in attendance on the edge of their seats throughout.

It was the club based in the village of Shanagarry that settled into the contest quicker. Jack McGrath slotted over a fine score to get his name on the scoresheet. Then the ever-reliable Josh Beausang set his wheels in motion, including a fine point from a placed ball to see his side lead 0-4 to 0-1 after 10 minutes.

Bandon responded courtesy of points from Conor Calnan and former Cork hurler Michael Cahalane, who got a lovely score from long range at the midway point in the opening half.

Russell Rovers, who led 0-7 to 0-4 on 20 minutes, managed to keep their noses ahead, with Beausang continuing to score in what was an impressive opening half display.

Mark Sugrue landed a beauty of a Bandon score in the closing stages of the opening half, with Cahalane adding to his tally.

But after a productive opening half, Russell Rovers ensured they were in the driving seat, with Beausang scoring again and James Kennefick getting a monster score from distance.

Russell Rovers held the advantage at 0-10 to the 0-8 of Bandon at half time, by which point all qualification permutation possibilities were still on the cards.

Points by Kennefick and Kieran Aherne extended the Russell Rovers lead early in the second half, with Beausang adding to his tally. Bandon responded once again through scores by Cathal Lynch and Kevin Hannon.

Mark Sugrue got the score of the game with a cracking solo effort for Bandon on 48 minutes, before he got the sides on level terms at 0-15 apiece two minutes later.

A cracking second half was produced and with knockout stage dreams on the line, both sides were trading blow for blow.

During this phase the impressive Cahalane and Hannon got on the scoreboard for Bandon, with Beausang once more pointing for Russell Rovers.

With the game into the final minute of normal time Bandon struck the decisive winning blow, as Lynch landed over a wonderful point when it mattered most.

Scorers for Bandon: M Cahalane (0-1 f) 0-5, M Sugrue 0-4, C Lynch, C Calnan, K Hannon 0-2 each, C Long, S Carey, J Cullinane 0-1 each.

Russell Rovers: J Beausang (0-7 f, 0-1 65) 0-12, J McGrath, J Kennefick 0-2 each, K Aherne 0-1.

BANDON: O Hennessy; P Calnan, T Twohig, C Twomey; C Lynch, P Murphy, D O’Donovan; M Cahalane, C Calnan; D O’Mahony, M Sugrue, E McSweeney; C Long, S Carey, J Cullinane.

Subs: K Hannon for Cullinane (37), P Barry for Carey (48).

RUSSELL ROVERS: R Walsh; P Lane, S O’Donoghue, J Scannell; F Murray, P Cummins, L Fitzgerald; J Kennefick, K Aherne; J Beausang, K Walsh, M O’Dwyer; J McGrath, B Hartnett, L Duggan-Murray.

Subs: D Crotty for O’Dwyer (35), K Tattan for McGrath (54).

Referee: Mark Maher (St Finbarr’s).