Cork IAHC: Bandon clinch top spot as Mayfield face fight to avoid drop

The sides played out their group finale in testing conditions.

Bandon's Jack Cullinane challenges for possession against Shane Keegan of Mayfield in the Co-op Superstores IAHC: clash at Ballinhassig. Picture: Larry Cummins

Cork IAHC: Bandon 1-25 Mayfield 1-15 

A 15-point second-half scoring surge saw Bandon overcome Mayfield to finish top of the Co-Op Superstores Cork Intermediate AHC Group 1 at a rain-lashed Ballinhassig on Saturday.

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

The outcome of Russell Rovers and Midleton’s corresponding Group 1 fixture, a two-point Rovers win, meant Bandon finished top on scoring difference after all three were level on four points apiece.

A winless Mayfield needed a result to avoid the probability of a relegation play-off. Alas, despite a spirited effort, a 10-point reversal means the city side is one more loss away from dropping down a grade.

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 the leaders’ 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.

Michael Cahalane led the way, finishing with twelve points 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.

So, Bandon march on while Mayfield are left to fight for their IAHC status.

Scorers for Bandon: M Cahalane 0-12 (0-3 65’, 0-5 f), 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 (0-5 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).

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