Teams from lower divisions cause upsets in cup
IT WAS a weekend of several big upsets in the Wexford and District Schoolboys Under-12 Cup, with teams from lower divisions really giving a fantastic account of themselves against higher-ranked opponents.
None more so than Kilmore of Division 4 who jumped up four levels to dismiss St. Cormac’s in a tight game by the odd goal in three.
Their reward for that win is a last 16 spot opposite St. Joseph’s, winners over All Blacks on Saturday.
It was a massive day for a pair of Division 3 sides against 1A rivals. Shelburne needed penalties but eventually they saw off Wexford town hotshots North End United. They will face Cloughbawn, themselves giant-killers, after edging Courtown Hibs 2-1 in a tight contest.
Division 2A side Bunclody knocked out Gorey Celtic of Division 1A and will now aim to repeat the dose against Blackwater, winners against Forth Celtic B. Glynn Barntown of Division 2 sent Division 1 club Bridge Rovers packing and they will face Oylegate, victors against Gorey Rangers B, in round three.
For entertainment value, Wexford Celtic’s 4-3 win over A.F.C. Legia was probably tie of the round.
The big clash in the last 16 will pit Wexford Albion with New Ross Town, both winners at the weekend. There were also victories for Curracloe, Enniscorthy Town and New Ross Celtic.
In Division 2A of the league there was a big win for Corach Ramblers at the summit, and they move four points clear of Curracloe after edging third-placed Adamstown 4-2. Elsewhere, Ferns beat Camolin Celtic.
Tombrack United moved second in Division 3 with a big win against Cushinstown, while in 3A Glynn Barntown ended their season with a win against Adamstown B.
In Division 4 Rathnure and Campile both won to close the gap on leaders Kilmore, while St. Leonards also tasted victory.
The surprise came in round one of the Under-14 Cup where Ballymurn Celtic of Division 3 beat St. Cormac’s of Division 1 with the only goal.
In the other first round tie Gorey Rangers needed penalties to edge a gallant Forth Celtic.
Kilmore dispatched previously unbeaten Division 2A league winners Shamrock Rovers 3-1 to book a last eight spot against North End United, winners against New Ross Celtic. In the other second round ties St. Joseph’s, New Ross Town and Bridge Rovers all advanced.
There were six games played in the last 16 of the Under-16 Cup and the quarter-final draw shows the big three have been kept apart.
North End United beat Gorey Celtic 3-0 and will face the winners of Gorey Rangers and Moyne.
Division 1 leaders Ferns dispatched Bridge Rovers and they will face whoever advances in the game between Wexford Celtic and St. Cormac’s. Campile won their local derby against St. Leonards and their reward is a place opposite New Ross Celtic, victors over Corach, in the quarters.
In another derby, Cloughbawn edged Rathnure 3-2 to set up a quarter-final meeting with the last of the ‘big three’, Forth Celtic, winners over Wexford Albion.
Finally, there was no luck for Wexford sides in S.F.A.I. Cup action, with Gorey Rangers Under-12s and the Under-13s of Wexford Celtic and All Blacks all exiting, despite tremendous efforts.