CHAMPIONS Clonakilty Soccer Club have cut the gap to just three points behind leaders Drinagh Rangers in the WCL Premier Division after a commanding 6-0 win over Castletown Celtic.

All six goals arrived in the first half as Clon’s ruthless streak returned. Inside ten minutes it was already 3-0, thanks to James O’Donovan, Joe Edmead and Chris Collins.

Collins struck again on 25 minutes, in between goals from Charlie McShane and Odhran Bancroft. The second half was played out in almost professional fashion as Clon protected their clean sheet and managed the game.

The usual top two don’t look like budging, as third-placed Lyre Rovers dropped points at home to Dunmanway Town, losing 2-1. Steven O’Donovan put Town ahead after ten minutes, and they carried that advantage to half-time. Mark Kelly levelled six minutes into the second half, but three minutes later Conor Vassallo restored Dunmanway’s lead. The result keeps Town fourth in the table.

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While Clon were closing the gap in the league, Drinagh Rangers were focused on the Parkway Hotel/Maybury Coaches Cup, progressing thanks to a 3-1 win over Beara United. Harry Carey opened the scoring on 16 minutes, but Declan Dunne equalised for Beara before the break. Daniel McCarthy cracked the visitors’ stubborn resistance on 65 minutes before Mark Grace struck in the final minute to seal their quarter-final place against Togher Celtic.

Togher advanced with a 2-1 victory over Drinagh Rangers B, settled by an Eoin Murray penalty ten minutes from time. Daniel Fernandes had earlier put Drinagh B ahead before Luke Hurley levelled before the interval.

Baltimore also moved on thanks to a Dan MacEoin hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Aultagh Celtic. All three arrived in the opening half, with Cian Kennefick pulling one back after the break. Baltimore will face Dunmanway Town in the quarter-final, while Drinagh or Togher await the winners. On the opposite side of the draw, Castlelack or Bunratty United will take on Clonakilty Soccer Club or Skibbereen Celtic.

The Premier Cup draw has also been made, and it’s a heavyweight semi-final as Clonakilty SC meet Drinagh Rangers. Lyre Rovers face Togher Celtic in the other tie. Dates are to be confirmed.

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The Championship Cup produced a thriller between Bunratty United and Bay Rovers, with Bunratty eventually edging it 3-2 after extra-time. Mark Brosnan struck first for Bunratty on 18 minutes, but Ryan O’Boy levelled four minutes later. James O’Regan restored United’s lead early in the second half, only for Paddy Cronin to equalise again. Connor Brosnan grabbed the winner in the 108th minute, and this time Bay had no reply.

Skibbereen AFC progressed with a comfortable 3-0 win over Aultagh Celtic B. John Hodnett scored twice, with Jason Collins adding the third.

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There was only one Championship league fixture this week, and it delivered late drama. Skibbereen Celtic led Ardfield 1-0 thanks to Aaron Dempsey, but Sean Lawless equalised in the 90th minute. Celtic went again, though, and Eoin O’Donovan grabbed a dramatic winner in stoppage time for a 2-1 victory.

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Drinagh Rangers strengthened their grip on top spot in the Women’s 7s League, extending their lead to five points after two emphatic wins.

First, they beat Sullane 3-0 with goals from Julianne Hayes and an Aine Collins brace.

Then came an 8-0 rout of Aultagh Celtic, set up by three goals inside the opening three minutes from Lorraine O’Neill, Roisin O’Driscoll and Collins. O’Driscoll completed her hat-trick, while O’Neill, Caroline Beamish and Rachel O’Donovan also got on the scoresheet.

Drinagh’s B team enjoyed success too, beating Bandon 6-0. Katie Collins and Carmel Coakley both hit doubles, with Kellie Doolan and Fiona Coakley adding one each.

Dunmanway Town remain just a point behind second-placed Beara United following a 1-0 win over Mizen, Ellen Healy scoring the decisive goal after only two minutes. A mid-table clash between Sullane and Lyre Rovers ended in a scoreless draw.