Drama in store as titles up for grabs
Gorey Rangers target U-12 honours
WITH THE weather ruling out action at the weekend, a look at the overall standings in the even age groups shows plenty of drama ahead in the coming weeks and months in the Wexford and District Schoolboys Soccer League.
Gorey Rangers look like the team to beat in Under-12 Division 1, despite only playing three games so far. They are third behind Forth Celtic and St. Joseph’s, two points back with three and five games in hand respectively.
At the halfway stage in Division 1A, New Ross Celtic have built a four-point advantage on North End United and Gorey Celtic. However, with seven games still to play the trophy could conceivably head to any corner of the county.
The battle for the Division 2 title is even more open. Glynn Barntown hold the top spot having played eight games and registered 17 points. Yet they are lining up behind with Oylegate, Fastnet Rovers, Shamrock Rovers and Rosslare Rangers within seven points.
Despite sitting fourth, Bunclody are the team to beat in Division 2A. They have a perfect record from four games but Corach Ramblers lead the way with 16 points, with Curracloe and Adamstown just one point further back.
Division 3 is ticking along, with just seven teams competing. Shelburne are top, and warm favourites to take the crown, leading New Ross Town B by three points. Forth Celtic B might be the most likely challengers, six points back with two games in hand.
With two games remaining in Division 3A it’s a straight fight between the two Gorey clubs, Celtic and Rangers, for the title. The latter lead the way by two points but the destination of the silverware is likely to come down to the meeting of the sides in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, it will be difficult for the others to get back into the Division 4 title race. Kilmore have been exceptional this season, winning all nine games to date. They lead Rathnure by eleven points and will wrap up the title with three more victories.
Gorey Rangers and North End are in a two-way battle for the Under-14 Division 1 crown with games starting to run out. Rangers have three left to play, two against their title rivals, and have a fivepoint lead. United have a game in hand.
Division 1A is even more clearcut. Perfect through the first eight games of the season, St. Joseph’s need just a point in either of their two remaining games to edge Enniscorthy Town for the trophy.
Carrying on the theme of almost completed leagues, Division 2 sees New Ross Celtic lead their neighbours New Ross Town. One win will wrap up the crown for the leaders but should they fail, Town are ready to pounce.
Nobody can pounce on Shamrock Rovers in Division 2A. They claimed the first title at schoolboys level two weeks ago, without playing.
They are perfect through eight games and will aim to finish the league season in style by winning their last two games.
The scene is set in Division 3 where Ballymurn and Newpark are dead-level with one game left to play.
They face each other in that match; it will be in Ballymurn and the winner will be champions.
While Ferns have raced away in Division 1, and look to be on their way to the Under-16 title, North End and Forth Celtic have both lost just one game so far and will still believe they can make a late run.
Late drama is a little less likely in Division 2 where Campile have had the foot on the gas all season. One win in their final two games will secure the title ahead of Gorey Rangers B, who themselves have had an excellent season to date.
There’s a three-way battle with five games remaining in Division 3. New Ross Celtic are unbeaten and lead the way but Cloughbawn and Rathnure are just in behind, waiting to pounce on any slip-ups on the run-in.
Finally, Division 4 is set to be a straight battle between two teams. Gorey Celtic have played half of their twelve games and are perfect. Bridge Rovers have only dropped points to the league leaders and will hope to turn the tables in the return match between the teams.