Shelburne wrap up title with hard-fought victory

SHELBURNE’S hard-fought win away to Tombrack midweek proved just enough to wrap up the Wexford and District Schoolboys Soccer Under-12 Division 3 title with a game to spare. The Ballywilliam boys didn’t take it on the night but had to wait just a few hours for Forth Celtic B to fall to Cloughbawn.

It was somewhat fitting that the champions needed to come through a tough away battle to take the title, as they have been doing it all season. They are undefeated away from home but have survived great tests from all their opponents in Division 3.

In the cup, Forth Celtic edged St. Joseph’s in the quarters to book a semi spot opposite Curracloe tomorrow (Wednesday) evening. In the other remaining last eight clash, Moyne Rangers beat Bunclody and they host Wexford Albion in the last four.

Meanwhile, back in the league, Gorey Rangers put three goalless draws in a row behind them when smashing four past Wexford Albion last weekend. They still trail New Ross Town by three points after the table-toppers saw off Forth Celtic.

Gorey Celtic, New Ross Celtic and North End continue to win in Division 1A. The game between the top two is going to be absolutely vital and a three-way tie at the top is not out of the question.

Division 2A is still a battle between Curracloe and Bunclody, with the top two still to play each other in the remaining fixtures.

It’s even closer at the top of Division 2 where six teams are separated by just six points. Fastnet Rovers have taken ten points from a possible twelve in their last four games and have come from nowhere to take top spot, but Glynn Barntown and Oylegate have a game in hand just behind.

North End and Bridge Rovers are deadlocked on top of the Under-11 Division 1A table with just two games remaining. They play each other in those games and the fixture looks set to have a massive say on the destination of the trophy.

Wexford Celtic will face Fethard Rangers in the Under-13 Cup final after the Sinnottstown Lane crew beat Albion 4-3 in a cracking semi-final. In the Under-14 Cup decider, North End meet St. Joseph’s after they edged past Gorey Rangers on spot-kicks.

There was a mild shock in the Under-16 Cup semi-finals where Division 1 leaders Ferns were sent packing by Forth Celtic. The Murrintown side will meet Gorey Rangers in the final after the Ramstown club edged New Ross Celtic 2-1 in a hotly-contested last four clash.

The cup result is made even more interesting by North End’s win against Moyne in their final league game. Ferns must get a result against Forth Celtic in their last game of the season or they will open the door to their title rivals and drop into a league play-off.

Finally, while unlikely, a playoff is not out of the question in Division 3 either. Cloughbawn’s win against Forth Celtic means they must triumph in their final game against Kilmore and hope Rathnure can do them a favour against New Ross Celtic if they are to nab the crown.