BANTRY Blues recorded an important win in the Co-Op Superstores Confined Junior B Hurling Championship Group 4 as they defeated local rivals O’Donovan Rossa 3-9 to 1-10 in Ballydehob.

The result means Bantry head into their final game against Delanys needing a victory to have any chance of progressing to the next round. All final-round matches are scheduled for Sunday, May 31, at 1pm.

Skibbereen are still not out of the championship despite the defeat. That follows St Oliver Plunkett’s 0-14 to 0-8 loss to Delanys in Brinny. Skibb can still qualify if they beat Plunkett’s in the final round, Bantry lose, and a 17-point scoring difference swings in their favour.

In Group 3, Rathpeacon kept pace with Gabriel Rangers and Ballyphehane following a 2-14 to 1-8 victory over Laochra Óg in Donoughmore. A win for Rathpeacon over Gabriels on the final day would likely mean a group-stage exit for the West Cork side, with Ballyphehane facing a Laochra Óg team that has nothing to play for.

In Group 2, Araglen confirmed top spot after a 3-12 to 1-16 home win over Castlemagner. Castletownroche set up a second-place showdown with Castlemagner by overcoming Ballincurra 3-14 to 2-16 at home. Ballincurra are out of the competition.

Finally, in Group 1, Crosshaven overcame Brian Dillons 1-23 to 3-15 in Shanbally. The Carrigdhoun club has one foot in the knockout stages after a second victory, while Dillons look all but out having yet to pick up a point.