Ballyhea edged out by Bandon

The game was played in very dry conditions over a period of excess rain during the weekend.

Exchanges were close in the opening quarter with the sides level at 0-1, 0-2 and 0-3 each. Bandon hit the front in the 17th minute with a Jason Hickey pointed free. They moved two clear when Charlie Dullea worked well for a long range point.

Further pressure by the Carbery side led to two more points with Mark Sugrue having the only goal of the game while Pa O’Callaghan had his fourth last half point for Ballyhea that saw the home side ahead at the interval 1-7 to 0-4.

Jason Hickey added another free on the resumption. Ballyhea put in a huge effort. They did well in the half backline and midfield sectors but overall lacked scoring power up front.

Dean Copps struck a very good point and Pa O’Callaghan with a pointed free left just five points between the sides entering the final quarter 1-9 to 0- 7. Bandon responded well Jason Hickey pointing a free and a well placed puckout by Patrick Prendergast found Charlie Dullea who placed Adam Murphy for Bandon’s last score 1- 11 to 0- 7 with eight minutes remaining. Maurice O’Sullivan had a long range point for Ballyhea.

In the closing moments Ballyhea forced two 65s and a free, they went in search of a late goal but the Bandon defence held firm. In the end they had a six point win.