Rathnure rule in U-13 league
Bree hit for six as Kilmore’s loss decides Division 3A
DESPITE A spate of postponements, a smattering of games still took place in the Wexford and District Schoolboys Soccer League last week. However, before looking to the latest action, a quick glance back at seven days earlier.
As this newspaper received no information from the league regarding the results on the weekend of March 31, we missed the crowning of a new champion, and it’s only right to go back and shine a spotlight on their achievements.
The securing of the title probably came as a little bit of a surprise to Rathnure themselves. They went into the weekend in Under-13 Division 3A three points ahead of Kilmore with two games each left to play.
When they claimed a comprehensive 6-0 win against Bree, they probably expected to keep the status quo.
However, Kilmore faced a stiff contest against Tombrack and went down 2-1, meaning Rathnure claimed the silverware with a game to spare after a fantastic season in which they have won eight of their nine league games to date.
There was a very similar situation brewing in Division 2A. It differed slightly as leaders Corach Ramblers did their bit on the weekend before last, winning 5-0 against Adamstown.
They were able to sit back in midweek and wait for their only remaining rivals for the title, Cloughbawn, to play their game.
Anything but a win for Cloughbawn was going to secure the crown for Ramblers with a game to spare and, like Rathnure, their dreams came true without their football boots on as Ballymurn Celtic put in a stunning performance to win 4-2 against the boys in green.
There was some other Under-13 action of note in midweek. In Division 1 the top two in the table, Moyne and Gorey Rangers, increased their lead over the chasing pack as both sides picked up the points in games against Gorey Celtic and St. Joseph’s respectively.
It was a great week for Bunclody in Division 2. They beat fellow contenders Shamrock Rovers 3-1, three days after second-placed Rosslare Rangers were held to a draw. Oylegate kept their challenge alive with a strong 2-0 win at home to Wexford Celtic.
Two Under-14 Cup quarter-finals were down for decision midweek. Wexford Albion had a little too much for Shamrock Rovers and advanced to the last four with a 2-0 win, and there they will face All Blacks, who went to Fethard Rangers and stunned the Division 1 high-flyers 2-1.
The drama on Saturday came in the Under-16 age group, where two clubs took titles in surprising fashion.
When New Ross Celtic slipped up at home to St. Leonards, the door was wide open for Campile to spring through and wrap up the Division 2 title.
They managed to do just that, thumping Corach Ramblers 7-1 to put themselves in an unassailable position, four points clear at the top. They have taken the crown having just played six league games so far, winning five and drawing the other.
Another second-placed team slipping up was Rathnure in Division 4. Their 3-2 loss at Fastnet means that Curracloe, who beat Wexford Celtic 5-2, are champions with a game to spare, having won eight of their nine league matches to date.
Elsewhere, Division 5 Shamrock Rovers booked their spot in the semi-final of the Under-16 Cup with a stunning 4-3 upset against Division 1 side Bridge Rovers. They will travel to Division 4 team Fastnet Rovers in the last four, meaning one unfancied side will reach the final.
While Shamrock Rovers were having a memorable time in the cup, Tombrack ensured there would be very little chance of them taking a league and cup double.
They beat Wexford Albion B 7-0 and, along with Enniscorthy United, are three points ahead of Rovers with one game remaining.
Action was a little sparse in the Under-12 league. Glynn Barntown did keep their push for the Division 1A title alive with a solid victory over Wexford Celtic. They sit one point behind Curracloe and both sides have two games still to play.
Corach Ramblers’ 1-1 draw with Fastnet in Division 2A means they move three points clear of New Ross Town B, who have a game in hand, but both sides are on a collision course for a meeting that could decide the destination of the title.
Shelburne moved level at the summit of Division 3 with victory over Tombrack, but Ballagh United do have a game in hand. Meanwhile, in Division 3A, Rathnure jumped up to top spot with a 3-1 win against Shamrock Rovers.
The drama shows no signs of easing in Under-14 Division 1 where Gorey Celtic lost to in-form Wexford Celtic in midweek, but then moved to the summit with victory over long-time leaders Fethard. Throw in Wexford Albion and any one of the four teams could end the season as champions.
In Division 1A, Forth Celtic beat St. Joseph’s 4-1 to move level at the top of the table with the Kilmuckridge side.
Finally, in Division 2, Curracloe and Shelburne have created a little separation from the chasing pack after both won at the weekend.