Rathnure rule in U-12 league
Convincing win over nearest rivals makes sure of title
RATHNURE ARE the Wexford and District Schoolboys Soccer Under-12 Division 3A champions after they beat closest rivals Gorey Celtic ‘B’ 3-0 last weekend to clinch the crown.
It has been a ding-dong battle all season long but the Blackstairs boys have lost just once and are worthy winners with two games remaining.
There was also drama in the Under-14 Cup semi-finals, with both going to spotkicks. The story of the season so far has been the run of Forth Celtic ‘B’, and they are now just one step from glory after they won 3-2 on penalties against a gallant Shelburne. The game finished 1-1 after extra-time.
Celtic will face a stiff test in the final when they meet All Blacks. The Mayglass lads played out a tense goal-less draw with Wexford Albion but held their nerve in the shoot-out to advance to the showpiece with four successful kicks to two.
Gorey Rangers joined Moyne at the top of the Under-13 Division 1 table on Monday of last week. Their 3-1 win away to New Ross Town leaves them right in the mix with five games left but Forth Celtic are not out of contention either with a massive eight games still to play.
Oylegate’s slim hopes of snatching the Division 2 title away from Bunclody remained on course after a 3-0 victory at home to Curracloe.
Meanwhile, in Division 2A Cloughbawn have guaranteed themselves at least a play-off for second spot with a hardfought win against Adamstown.
Campile’s victory against New Ross Town ‘C’ means the Division 4 title race is going to the last game of the season, however a draw for Ballagh United in their final outing will be enough to secure themselves the crown.
North End remained perfect in Under-15 Division 1 after they fired four past Gorey Rangers. With six games left to play, the Wexford town club are just two points behind Enniscorthy Town, who have just one game left, and a point in arrears to St. Joseph’s, who have four remaining.
Wexford Celtic can almost sniff glory in Under-15 Division 1A after a 3-0 win at home to Gorey Celtic means they need to just win their last game to cement the crown.
Bridge Rovers moved eight points behind Shamrock Rovers in Division 2 but will need a perfect finish and some help to overhaul the leaders.
Curracloe will be Under-12 Division 1A champions if they manage a draw in their final game of the season against New Ross Celtic.
That comes about after only remaining challengers Glynn Barntown were held to a goal-less draw by Wexford Albion at the weekend.
Both the Division 2 and Division 3 titles were likely to decided last night (Monday), with Bunclody and Ballagh United needing wins to clinch their respective crowns.
Corach Ramblers took a big step in the right direction in Division 2A last weekend with victory over closest challengers New Ross Town ‘B’, but Oylegate kept pace with a win.
Without their two main rivals in action, Gorey Rangers ‘B’ stole a march at the top of the Division 4A table. The Ramstown boys beat Rosslare Rangers ‘B’ 2-0 to move three points clear of Glynn Barntown and five ahead of a Bridge Rovers ‘B’ side which does have a game in hand.
In Division 1 of the Under-14 league, Gorey Celtic took a huge leap towards a potential title on Saturday.
They went south to fellow challengers Fethard Rangers and beat them 2-1 to leave them potentially one win from the crown, although, at the time of writing the only side with destiny in their own hands was Wexford Albion, who needed to win all six of their remaining games.
It’s advantage Forth Celtic in Division 1A after they thumped St. Leonards, while fellow title chasers Moyne Rangers and St. Joseph’s played out a scoreless draw.
The Murrintown boys sit a point behind the Kilmuckridge club but have games in hand.
Curracloe moved five points clear at the summit in Division 2 but Shelburne are still in a strong spot with two games in hand on the leaders.
Meanwhile, in Division 2A Gorey Celtic ‘B’ could potentially complete a league double with their ‘A’ team.
They lead Forth Celtic ‘ B’ by three points but the cup finalists do have a game in hand.
In the Under-16 Cup quarter-final, North End made light work of Ballymurn Celtic with a crushing 6-0 win in Drinagh, and they will face Forth Celtic in the semi-final.
The other last four clash was played at the weekend and saw Division 5 side Shamrock Rovers advance to the decider with a 1-0 win against Fastnet.
In Division 1 of the league, Forth Celtic are just one win from the title after beating Bridge Rovers 3-0 at the weekend.
They lead North End by eight points, and the leaders have two games remaining, while United have three.