Aghada survive a sensational six-goal Intermediate A quarter-final classic with Mallow
Aghada's Jamie O'Hanlon crashes the ball to the Mallow net during their Intermediate A HC quarter-final clash at Blarney. Picture: David Keane.
Where to start with this absolutely absorbing encounter?
Dreams of securing Cork Intermediate A Hurling Championship glory remain very much alive for Aghada, after they booked their place in the semi-final following victory over Mallow. But does not tell half the story of what was an amazing battle in Blarney on Saturday afternoon.
Aghada led at one stage in the second half by 15 points. They were in cruise control and it appeared the outcome of this contest was long decided.
Mallow found it deep within themselves to produce an almighty comeback. With the gap down to three points with less than five minutes remaining, there were two massive goal opportunities saved by Aghada goalkeeper John Walsh, including a penalty to deny Sean Hayes.
Aghada showed deep grit and determination to ulimately secure victory. Next up is a clash with Sars in the semi, with Midleton facing Bandon on the other side of the draw.
Given the significance of what was at stake, there was little surprise that the opening half was a rip-roaring affair. The sides were level at 0-4 apiece after 10 minutes played on the clock, with both trading scoring blow for blow.
Mark Tobin was among those to slot over impressively for Mallow in the early stages and he ended up with 0-7, six points from play, with William Leahy proving an Aghada attacking menace.
On 13 minutes, Aghada slotted in the first goal of the game. Racing away rapidly on the counter, Jamie O’Hanlon clinically dispatched his low effort to the net. Aghada then found the back of the net for a second time. Charlie Terry successfully converted a rasper to the top corner, following some good work by Leahy on 24 minutes.
The momentum at this juncture was well and truly with Aghada. John Looney, Samuel O’Driscoll, Terry and that potent weapon Leahy all successfully split the posts in a fruitful attacking spell, as Aghada held an eight-point advantage at half-time at 2-12 to 0-10.
William Leahy chipped in with another impeccably taken point early into the second half. But a few minutes later, Aghada extended their advantage even further when Looney slotted home with a clinical finish.
Aghada had all the momentum behind and after another Leahy score after 38 minutes, they held a totally commanding 15-point lead at 3-17 to 0-11.
At this stage, an Aghada win seemed certain. However, Mallow did not read that script.
Sean Hayes drilled the ball home on 46 minutes. Two minutes later, another Mallow goal saw the deficit reduced to seven, as Daniel Sheehan showed his predatory instincts with a close-range finish.
When Mallow got a third goal on 53 minutes, as Hayes converted after getting the required touch on a long ball. The improbable comeback looked suddenly like a realistic prospect.
Moments later, Mallow had the opportunity to sensationally get on level terms from the penalty spot. Hayes was denied by a fine save from Aghada netminder Walsh. The Aghada shot stopper was called into action again in second-half stoppage time to deny a Simon Leneghan goal attempt.
Despite a late mammoth Mallow effort, it was Aghada marched on.
W Leahy 0-11 (0-9 f, 0-1 65), J Looney, C Terry 1-2 each, J O’Hanlon 1-1, S O’Driscoll 0-4, T Hartnett, R Murphy, R O’Connell 0-1 each.
S Hayes 2-5 (0-5 f), M Tobin 0-7 (0-1 f), P Lyons 0-4, D Sheehan 1-0, S Leneghan 0-2, L Malone, J Murphy, K Sheehan 0-1 each.
J Walsh; K O’Shea, J McDonnell, A Kearns; F O’Connor, M Russell, F O’Connell; N Devoy, T Hartnett; W Leahy, C Terry, S O’Driscoll; R Murphy, J Looney, J O’Hanlon.
J Devoy for Murphy (48), R O’Connell for Kearns (52), P O’Neill for O’Hanlon (55).
T Hickey; E Walsh, B Kingston, D Kingston; R Sheehan, S Copps, P Healy; S Leneghan, J Murphy; L Malone, P Lyons, M Tobin; B Noonan, S Hayes, D Sheehan.
K Sheehan for Noonan (20), L Buckley for Malone (41).
Kevin O'Sullivan (Valley Rovers).
App?
