Dwyer points the way as Ballymartle recover to see off battling Bandon

BALLYMARTLE recovered from a potentially disastrous start to overcome Bandon and storm into the third round of the Evening Echo Cork IHC at Ballinspittle yesterday.

Within 90 seconds of the throw-in Ballymartle found themselves trailing by two points after accurate strikes from Darren Crowley and Jason Hickey gave Bandon the desired start.

But “old heads” Rory Dwyer and Ger Cummins brought their vast experience to bear as Ballymartle steadied the ship, with Bandon falling by the wayside disappointingly.

Both Ballymartle team captain Dwyer and Cummins exerted enormous influence in this rather mundane contest which never really exploded into life.

Dwyer’s exquisite long range free-taking was one of the highlights of the game and his nine points, two from play, played the most significant part in his side’s thoroughly-merited success.

The inspirational Ballymartle skipper also set up Cummins for the only goal of the match in the 41st minute, a gem in creation and execution which decided the destiny of the game.

With Dwyer firing over from all angles and distances, Ballymartle led by 0-7 to 0-5 at half time having played against a slight breeze and Bandon faced an uphill struggle.

With Dwyer continuing to deliver from placed ball situations, Ballymartle stretched their lead to five points before Cummins struck the vital goal. Youthful Bandon lacked the necessary steel and expertise to mount a telling comeback and were forced to rely on the free-taking accuracy of Donagh Lucey to stay in touch.

Lucey scored seven second-half points as Bandon came within four points three minutes from time. But man of the match Dwyer sealed Ballymartle’s triumph with his seventh pointed free in the last minute.

Scorers: Ballymartle: G Cummins 1-3; R Dwyer 0-9; B Dwyer 0-2; P Dwyer; B Corry 0-1 each. Bandon: D Lucey 0-7 (frees); D Crowley 0-3 (one from free); J Hickey 0-2; K Walsh, J Donovan 0-1 each.

BALLYMARTLE: D McCarthy, S O’Connell, K Coleman, D Coleman, D Dwyer, P Dwyer, N Sheehan, R Dwyer, G Webb, B Dwyer, B Corry, C Sheehan, G Cummins, S Coleman, S Fehilly. Sub: K Lordan for Fehilly.

BANDON: E Duggan, K Lucey, J Burke, J Donovan, K Hurley, T Bambury, D Ryan, J Hickey, K Walsh, D Lucey, K Doyle, A Johnson, D Crowley, J O’Regan, D Burke. Subs: C Dullea for Ryan; J Milner for Doyle; B Hurley for Dullea; D Cronin for Burke.

Referee: J Kearney (Na Piarsaigh).