NEWCESTOWN maintained their unbeaten start to the county Division 1 football league with a 1-19 to 2-8 victory over local rivals Carbery Rangers.
Following an opening draw away to Cill na Martra, Newcestown now sit among four teams on three points, just behind early leaders Clonakilty.
Rangers made the brighter start, with Paul Hodnett converting a penalty on his way to 1-5, but a Micheál McSweeney goal helped edge Newcestown 1-6 to 1-5 ahead at half time.
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A Daragh Hayes goal brought Ross back into contention in the second half (1-12 to 2-7), but Newcestown finished strongly, outscoring their opponents 0-7 to 0-1 down the stretch. Cork senior David Buckley led that late surge, finishing with 0-7.
Carthach Keane (0-4) also impressed, while Richard O’Sullivan and Joe Kenneally (0-2 each), along with Tadhg Twomey, Colm O’Donovan, Cormac O’Sullivan and Colm Dinneen, contributed to the tally. John O’Rourke and Brian Hodnett added to Paul Hodnett’s haul for Rangers.
Elsewhere, Castlehaven secured their first win of the campaign, seeing off Knocknagree 1-9 to 0-10. Seanie Cahalane’s side, who drew with Éire Óg in their opener, led 1-3 to 0-3 at the break thanks to a Jamie O’Driscoll goal. Cork star Brian Hurley, introduced at the break, chipped in with a two-point free, while Danny O’Donovan and Michael Hurley (0-2 each), Mark Collins, Jack O’Neill and Conor Cahalane also scored. Next up for the Haven is a home clash with Newcestown on March 29th.
Clonakilty came from 0-12 to 1-5 down at half time to edge Douglas 1-15 to 0-17. Conor Daly hit 1-3, supported by Dara Ó Sé (0-5), Thomas Clancy (0-4), Des Kenneally (0-2) and Dan Peet. The result leaves Clon as early pace-setters on maximum points after two rounds. Clon are home to Knocknagree in their next league game at the end of the month.
St Finbarr’s defeated Éire Óg 0-14 to 0-10, with Cillian Myers-Murray scoring 0-9, while Cill na Martra edged Nemo Rangers 1-17 to 2-13.
David Buckley kicked 0-7 for Newcestown against Carbery Rangers.
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In Division 2, Dohenys preserved their unbeaten start with a 1-14 apiece draw against Carrigaline, Adam O’Donovan grabbing a late equalising goal. Uibh Laoire saw off O’Donovan Rossa 1-14 to 0-7, inspired by Cathal Vaughan’s 0-8, while St Michael’s defeated Castletownbere 2-9 to 1-16. Clyda Rovers, led by Conor Corbett, beat Valley Rovers 1-17 to 0-8, and Ballincollig got off the mark with a 1-15 to 2-10 win over Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh.
Bandon claimed their first Division 3 win as Charlie Long, Michael Cahalane and Mark Sugrue guided them to a 1-14 to 3-5 victory over Newmarket. Aghabullogue interim boss Peter Keane also secured his first win in charge, 0-17 to 0-11 against Rockchapel, while Mallow, Fermoy and Kanturk defeated Bishopstown, Kilshannig and Naomh Abán respectively.
Adrigole made it two wins from two in Division 4, beating Aghada 3-7 to 1-4 with goals from Cormac Carey, Cian O’Shea and Gerard O’Shea.
Gabriel Rangers overcame Macroom 3-12 to 1-14, with goals from Gearóid Coughlan, Keith O’Driscoll and Killian O’Sullivan. Paddy O’Driscoll, Ger O’Callaghan, Chris Moynihan and Seán Kelleher added further scores.
Nemo Rangers’ seconds also boast a 100 percent record after a 3-9 to 1-14 win over Kilmurry, while Kiskeam beat Boherbue and Glanmire drew with Buttevant.
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Bantry Blues moved joint-top of Division 5 following a 3-13 to 1-8 win over St Vincent’s. Darragh McCarthy (1-1) and Arthur Coakley (0-6) led the scoring, with Mark Óg O’Sullivan and Seanie O’Leary (1-0 each), Billy Sheehan (0-3), Paddy Cronin (0-2) and Kevin Casey also contributing.
Ilen Rovers recorded their first win, beating Ballydesmond 2-10 to 0-11. Alan Holland (1-1) and Dermot Hegarty struck the goals, while Micheál Sheehy, Kyle O’Sullivan and Simon O’Shea (0-2 each), along with Denis O’Driscoll, Kevin O’Driscoll and Aidan Fahy, were also on target.
St Nick’s and Mitchelstown drew, while Canovee and Ballinora defeated Millstreet and Kinsale.
Kilmacabea made it two from two in Division 6 with a 1-11 to 2-5 win over Na Piarsaigh. Argideen Rangers fell to Cullen 1-11 to 0-10, while Kildorrery, Dromtarriffe and Aghinagh also recorded wins.
In Division 7, Carbery Rangers’ seconds began their campaign with a 2-14 to 0-8 victory over Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels. Jack O’Regan (0-4), Niall Keane and Colm Hayes (1-1 each), along with Patrick Hurley and Mark Hodnett (0-3 each), Eoghan Hayes and Garry McCarthy were all on target.
St James made it two from two with a 2-15 to 2-12 win over Nemo Rangers’ thirds, while Donoughmore and Ballygarvan also recorded victories.
