Six teams in contention for four Under-14 places
SIX TEAMS are still battling for the four places in the New Ross Standard Under-14 hurling Division 1 championship semi-finals with one round of fixtures remaining.
Buffers Alley are in pole position in the table after beating Faythe Harriers and will cement their spot with a win against Shelmaliers on August 3.
After edging past Glynn-Barntown last week, HWH-Bunclody will fancy their chances of booking their spot when they face winless Rathnure. Naomh Eanna and Faythe Harriers face off for what will likely be one spot while Rapparees and Glynn-Barntown meet with both needing victory.
The bottom four in Division 1 drop into the Division 2 quarter-finals where Fethard, Blackwater, Oulart-The Ballagh and St. Martin’s are likely to be the quartet laying in wait. Oylegate-Glenbrien remained perfect in Division 3 last week and they will be favourites to take the title come the knockouts.
However, Monageer-Boolavogue gave them a run for their money last time out and they, and Davidstown-Courtnacuddy, are likely to join them in the quarters with Ferns St. Aidan’s, Horeswood and Ballinastragh Gaels also in contention.
Adamstown booked their spot in the Division 4 quarter-finals with victory over Duffry Rovers last week. The Coolree boys will join them if they can get the better of Marshalstown-Castledockrell in their last round-robin game.
Third in the group, most likely Ballyhogue, will play second-placed finishers Kilmore from Division 4B for the final spot in the last eight.
The seven sides that fail to make the quarters will join St. James’ in the Division 5 knockouts.
It has been a long time since the Wexford People Minor hurling Premier championship has been as competitive.
With six teams making the knockout stages nobody is out of contention, however, Naomh Eanna, Shelmaliers and Faythe Harriers look strong while Oylegate-Glenbrien are the only unbeaten side after drawing three of their four games.
The top four in Roinn 1B are separating themselves from the rest. Gusserane were the last side with an unbeaten record but that went tumbling in a tight contest with high-flying Rathgarogue-Cushinstown. St. Anne’s and Cloughbawn also picked up victories last week and those four clubs are well out in front.
Meanwhile, in Roinn 1A Rathnure are perfect after five games and are certain of a quarter-final place. Blackwater emerged from a tough battle with Ballinastragh Gaels with the points to move closer to the knockouts while Castle-Craan Gaels also look like a formidable side.
HWH-Bunclody, Hollow Rovers and the Kilanerin/Tara Rocks combo are also in contention for knockout spots.
Askamore remain unbeaten in Roinn 2 after an entertaining draw with Crossabeg-Ballymurn last week. Both are lively title contenders, as are Davidstown-Courtnacuddy who beat Ballyhogue last week. Ballygarrett are currently in possession of the fourth spot but there’s still time for Moguegeen Gaels to nip in and take it away.
This week the Minors continue with the Wexford People hurling championship. The Under-16s are out next Monday in the final round of the Gorey Guardian football championship while the knockout places will also be decided in the New Ross Standard Under-14 football championship on Thursday.