Sars first into Cork IAHC knockout stage

Meanwhile, Group 1 in the Cork IAHC remains finely poised after two draws.

Sam Quirke was back for Midleton. Picture: Jim Coughlan.

Group 1 in the Cork IAHC remains finely poised after local rivals Bandon and Kilbrittain played out a 1-15 to 2-12 draw, while east Cork opponents Aghada and Russell Rovers finished level in the other fixture, 1-21 to 3-15.

Pat Barry came off the bench to rescue Bandon, striking 1-1 in the final ten minutes to get them back on level terms with 58 minutes played. They would still need to find answers to two more Kilbrittain points, and it was Mark Sugrue who had the final say in the 63rd minute to leave it level.

Philip Wall and Luke Griffin netted the Kilbrittain goals, while Mark Hickey scored 0-7 frees. Mike Cahalane top-scored for Bandon with 0-5 (0-3 frees).

In the other drawn fixture, Aghada had led for much of the game but Rovers hit their third goal on the hour mark to draw level, and while John Looney nudged Aghada ahead again in additional time – taking his tally to 1-5 from play – Russell Rovers would find the leveller, courtesy of a Josh Beausang free in the 63rd minute.

Beausang ended the game with 1-6 including a goal from a penalty, while Mark O’Dwyer and Jack McGrath grabbed the other two goals. Kieran Walsh also impressed with 0-3, while Jamie Scannell and Pierce Cummins were excellent in defence.

Will Leahy scored 0-7 (0-4 f) for Aghada, while Ronan Murphy, Tim Hartnett, Jamie O’Hanlon and Charlie Terry tallied 0-2 each.

The result means that all four teams remain with a chance of getting out of the group, and should Russell Rovers and Aghada win their round 3 fixtures against Bandon and Kilbrittain respectively, all four teams will finish level on three points.

Group 2 remains just as tight, Mallow and Midleton currently occupying the top two spots with three and two points respectively, but all four teams are still in with a mathematical chance of qualifying.

Goals from Darragh Egan and Killian Burke helped Midleton over the line with a 2-19 to 1-19 victory over Blackrock, while Aaron Mulcahy top-scored for the Magpies with 0-9 (0-8 frees). Sam Quirke made his return from the United States as a starter.

In the other game, Kildorrery struck five goals to draw with Mallow, 5-13 to 1-25. Luke Keating finished with an outstanding 2-9 (0-3 frees) for Kildorrery, while Pierce Pigott, Finbarr Stapleton and Tadhg Murphy netted the other goals. Micky Walsh was excellent in defence. Sean Hayes netted the Mallow goal and finished with 1-5 (0-4 frees), While Paul Lyons and Mark Tobin scored 0-5 and 0-4 from play respectively.

Sarsfields are the first team at Intermediate A to seal their place in the knockout phases, after securing a 3-19 to 2-14 victory over Youghal. Cian McCarthy played another stormer following his return to the Riverstown club, as he finished with 1-8 (0-6 frees, 0-1 sideline), while James Murray led the way for Youghal with 1-10 (0-4 frees, 0-2 65s).

Kevin Crowley was outstanding in the second half as full-back for Sars, as Youghal goalkeeper Oisin Walsh’s long deliveries put the Sars defence under considerable aerial pressure. Kerry senior hurler Evan Murphy – brother of Sars hurler Bryan – impressed in his first championship start for the club, ending the game with 0-1 having been involved with a number of possessions. Sean King (1-2) and Rory O’Brien (1-1) netted the other goals, while Finn O’Connor and Seán Bracken scored 0-2 apiece. Alan Frahill-O’Connor netted the other Youghal goal.

In the other Group 3 contest, Erin’s Own pipped Ballygiblin, 2-13 to 1-12. James O’Flynn top-scored for the Caherlag side with 2-2, while Eoghan Murphy impressed with 0-7 (0-6 frees). Johnny Kavanagh and Kieran Murphy also showed up well for Erin’s Own.

In the Premier Junior championship, Kilshannig sealed their place in the knockout stages with a 1-25 to 0-13 victory over last year’s beaten finalists Glen Rovers. Andy Hourigan impressed with 0-5 from play for the winners, while Jack Twomey notched 0-4 and Diarmuid O’Sullivan scored 1-1. In the other Group 1 contest, Ballygarvan (+16 scoring difference, 3 pts) and Nemo Rangers (-3 scoring difference, 1 pt) drew 0-21 to 1-18, a result that keeps both of their championships alive, but Nemo will need a big win over the Glen to take second in the group.

Barryroe have confirmed top spot in Group 3 after defeating local rivals Argideen Rangers 1-18 to 0-16, while Rangers now face St Finbarr’s with the winner taking second place. A draw would be enough to see Argideen Rangers through.

St Finbarr’s defeated Mayfield 1-25 to 1-23, meaning the northsiders need a result against Barryroe to avoid the relegation playoff.

In Group 2, Cathal Lowney struck his second goal on the hour mark to fire Tracton to victory over Cloughduv and complete a four-point turnaround at the death. It ended 2-23 to 3-16 in Tracton’s favour, with Cian Quinn scoring 0-15 (0-13 frees), while Mark Verling totalled 1-9 (0-6 frees) for Cloughduv. However, it’s St Catherine’s that lead the way in Group 2, after their 1-23 to 1-16 win over Milford. They need only avoid defeat in the last round against Tracton to secure top spot.