PAUL Hodnett struck 3-6 as Carbery Rangers powered to an impressive 5-11 to 2-5 away win over Douglas in Division 1 of the county football league.

Rangers trailed 1-3 to 1-2 at half-time, with Hodnett accounting for all of their first-half scores, but the West Cork side burst into life after the break.

Ross surged clear in a dominant third quarter, moving 4-7 to 1-4 ahead. Peadar O’Rourke (1-1), Daragh Hayes (0-4, including a two-pointer) and Mark Hodnett (1-0) all contributed to what became a comfortable victory – their second of the league campaign.

Newcestown remain unbeaten in the top tier following a 1-9 apiece draw with St Finbarr’s. The West Cork club trailed 1-7 to 1-2 at the interval but showed great resolve to battle back. That was despite Eoghan Collins’ dismissal after two yellow cards. Richard O’Sullivan top-scored with 0-6, while Humphrey Canty (1-1), Collins and Seamus O’Sullivan (0-1 each) also contributed. Cillian Myers-Murray impressed for the Barrs with 1-5.

Elsewhere in Division 1, Knocknagree and Cill na Martra moved up to joint second place after wins over Nemo Rangers and Éire Óg respectively. Knocknagree’s 1-13 to 1-12 victory over the county finalists was particularly impressive, with Denis ‘Rory’ O’Connor hitting 1-2. In Cill na Martra’s 0-13 to 0-10 win, Dan Ó Duinnín, Shane Ó Duinnín and Micheál Ó Deasúna all scored 0-3. The Gaeltacht side host Castlehaven this Saturday (5pm).

In Division 5, Bantry Blues and Ilen Rovers meet in a West Cork derby this Sunday (1pm) in Bantry, with both sides enjoying promising starts to the season.

Ilen recorded their second win of the campaign by defeating their intermediate A county final conquerors Ballinora, 0-16 to 0-12. Scorers for Flor O’Driscoll’s side included Micheál Sheehy, Kyle O’Sullivan and Adrian O’Driscoll (0-3 each), along with Dermot Hegarty, Simon O’Shea and Conor Harrington (0-2 apiece) and Aidan Fahy (0-1).

Bantry Blues maintained their unbeaten run with a 2-10 to 0-16 draw against league leaders St Nick’s. The table-toppers, along with Mitchelstown, are the only other unbeaten teams so far.

There was no action for Dohenys or O’Donovan Rossa in Division 2, as Carrigaline moved top thanks to a narrow 0-13 to 0-12 win over Uibh Laoire. Jack McCarthy struck the winner in a game where Eanna Desmond excelled. Ballincollig sit third following a 1-12 to 1-8 victory over St Michael’s, while Clyda Rovers and Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh finished level.

Bandon travelled to Kanturk in Division 3 but lost narrowly, 1-18 to 3-10. The Lilywhites, two tiers below their Duhallow opponents in the championship, competed well throughout. Bandon now sit seventh after sides below them – Rockchapel, Kilshannig and Newmarket – all suffered defeats to Mallow, Naomh Abán and Aghabullogue respectively. Bishopstown beat Fermoy in the other tie to move into second place.

Argideen Rangers picked up their first point in Division 6 with a 0-7 to 1-4 draw against Glanworth. Bill Fleming (0-3), Seán Walsh and James Crowley (0-2 each) were on target for the Timoleague side. Kilmacabea’s winning start came to an end as Cobh claimed a 2-16 to 1-5 victory. Aghinagh set the early pace at the top after receiving a walkover from Na Piarsaigh, while Kildorrery and Cullen recorded wins over Dromtarriffe and Glenville.

In Division 7, Carbery Rangers’ second string missed the chance to go top after drawing 0-16 to 1-13 with Passage West. Ross led 0-14 to 0-1 at half-time but were reeled in. Eoghan Hayes scored 0-4, with Colm Hayes, Niall Keane and Jack O’Regan also contributing. Donoughmore are now third following a 2-8 to 1-6 win over Ballygarvan.

Adrigole and Gabriel Rangers had the weekend off in Division 4. Nemo Rangers and Glanmire moved into the top two with victories over Macroom and Aghada, while Buttevant defeated Boherbue.