NEWCESTOWN kept their league final hopes alive with a 2-18 to 0-18 win over Valley Rovers in their Division 2 clash at Innishannon.

Daniel Twomey’s side went in level at 0-8 apiece at half time, but second-half goals from Richard O’Sullivan and Eddie Kenneally proved decisive.

Kenneally (1-7) and O’Sullivan (1-1) finished as the top scorers, while goalkeeper Cathal Wilson (0-3), Colm Dinneen, Jack Meade and Luke Meade (0-2 each) also chipped in.

The result leaves the Carbery club just one point off the top two. Ballincollig also sit outside the final places after a 1-14 to 0-17 draw with Na Piarsaigh. Bride Rovers remain top after beating Ballymartle 1-22 to 1-15, while Carrigaline saw off Newtownshandrum.

Bandon are back to winning ways in Division 3. Their 1-17 to 1-13 victory over Éire Óg saw the Lilywhites leapfrog the Ovens club into the top two. Michael Cahalane, Mark Sugrue and Darren Crowley spearheaded the Bandon attack.

Ballinhassig and Courcey Rovers kept pace at the top with wins over Inniscarra and Fermoy respectively, while Blarney remain first following victory against Russell Rovers.

Diarmuid Ó Mathúnas are two points off second spot in Division 6 after a commanding 1-24 to 0-13 victory over Kinsale. Caolan O’Donovan (0-7), Willie Horgan (0-5), Gearóid O’Donovan (1-2) and Kevin O’Donovan (0-4) starred, while Jamie Lucey and James Fleming (0-3 each) also contributed for the Castletownkenneigh club.

Ballinascarthy moved clear of the relegation zone with their second win of the season, 2-14 to 1-13 at home to second-placed Killavullen.

Donnagh O’Driscoll’s goal helped Bal to a 1-7 to 1-6 half-time lead. Connall Cullinane hit the net in the second half to seal the win. Other scorers for the defending Carbery junior A champions included Brian O’Donovan, Luke Murray, Colm O’Brien, Jeremy Ryan and Cian Ryan.

Argideen Rangers suffered their second loss of the campaign as Sarsfields’ second string proved too strong in Timoleague, winning 2-30 to 3-11. Elsewhere, Aghada remain top after victory over Ballygiblin, while Erin’s Own defeated Mayfield.

Barryroe sit mid-table in Division 7 after a convincing 2-22 to 0-17 win over St Finbarrs’ seconds. A league final place may not be beyond them either, with the Sky Blues just two points adrift of second.

Na Piarsaigh joined Meelin in the final positions after winning a top-of-the-table clash, while Passage West, Douglas and Killeagh also recorded victories over Ballinora, Kilshannig and Carraig na bhFear respectively.

Kilbrittain’s hopes of a Division 5 final spot suffered a setback after a 0-18 to 0-15 defeat to Cloyne. However, with Milford inflicting table-toppers Dungourney’s first loss of the season, the race has tightened considerably. The Black and Amber are now two points off second place. Ballygarvan defeated Youghal elsewhere.

Midleton moved four points clear at the top of Division 1 with a 2-20 to 0-21 win over Blackrock. Second place in the top tier remains wide open, with St Finbarr’s, Douglas and Sarsfields all level on points. The Barrs’ 2-21 to 0-17 defeat to Fr O’Neill’s was the surprise result of the weekend, with O’Neill’s claiming their first victory of the campaign.