BAY ROVERS hit top spot in the OBrienWaterServices.com Championship after a 3-2 win over Aultagh Celtic.

First-half strikes from Calvin Cronin and a Fabian Wadolski penalty fired Bay Rovers into a 2-0 half-time lead. Evan Maguire did pull one goal back for Aultagh but Paddy Cronin put the game to bed with his side’s third goal on 77 minutes.

An Oisín Fergus O’Connell penalty was scant consolation for Celtic who sit in fifth, while Bay Rovers have 13 points after 16 games, including four wins – they are also the league’s top scorers with 24.

A John Hodnett hat-tick was crucial in seeing Skibbereen AFC over the line against Mizen Hob, as they won 4-3. After a thrilling opening half, the sides were level at 3-3. John O’Donovan and Hodnett goals gave Skibb a 2-0 lead. Ryan O’Neill struck a first-half hat-trick to turn the game around for Mizen but Hodnett netted again to make sure the sides were deadlocked at the break. Hodnett was the hero on 70 minutes as Skibb surged to just their second win of the season.

Another Championship cracker ensued between Castlelack and Skibbereen Celtic with the former winning 5-3. Castlelack held a 4-2 half-time lead thanks to goals from Oisín O’Mahony, Jamie Hunt (2) and Aidan Cregan, while Jack O’Brien and Aaron Dempsey hit back for Celtic. Dara Hurley put the tie beyond any doubt on 78 minutes, while Marti Puig Doblado got Skibb’s third.

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In the Premier Division, Dunmanway Town beat Baltimore 1-0 with Steven O’Donovan scoring the goal, while table-toppers Drinagh Rangers were awarded a home win against Castletown Celtic. Both promoted sides, Baltimore and Castletown, are in danger of being cut adrift at the bottom of the table.

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The Fusion Home Decor Women’s 7s League season commenced with Drinagh Rangers, Aultagh Celtic and Mizen securing opening day wins.

Drinagh beat their B counterparts 7-0. Rachel O’Donovan and Caroline Beamish both hit braces while the scoring was rounded off by Chloe Cadogan, Roisín O’Driscoll and Aine Collins.

Despite conceding a Josepine McCarthy goal after three minutes, Aultagh turned it around to beat Sullane 3-1. Mary Barrett and Amy Tobin scored before the break and Juila Hegarty sealed the deal late on.

Mizen saw off Bandon 3-0 as Kayla O’Driscoll, Lorna O’Callaghan and Lucy Hurley found the net.

The other game finished in a 2-2 draw between Beara United and Lyre Rovers, and all the goals came in the second half. Lara Scapin gave Beara a 2-0 lead but goals from Meadhbh Coomey and Amy Burke made sure the spoils were shared.

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There was disappointment for Togher Celtic in the McCarthy Insurance Group Munster Junior Cup as they succumbed to a 4-1 defeat to Coachford. A Cathal Daly strike made it 1-1 on 32 minutes but the Mid Cork club were too strong for the West Cork outfit.