GOREY RANGERS F.C.: Two brilliant goals saw Gorey Rangers Under-12s progress to the last 16 of the S.F.A.I. Cup against a well-organised Lakelands side from Dublin at Ramstown on Saturday last.

On a bitterly cold morning, it wasn't long before Rangers settled into their rhythm, with a goal disallowed after only two minutes after a Paul Murphy finish was adjudged to be offside. Gorey applied all the pressure in the first ten minutes, but were then rocked back on their heels when a speculative effort deceived Adam Dunbar in the Rangers goal to give the Dublin side an undeserved lead.

Lakelands grew in confidence and Gorey were finding it hard to create many opportunities. The Gorey front two of Conor Levingstone and Eoin McGuckin weren't getting much joy from the physical nature of their opponents, and Lakelands went in at halftime 1-0 up.

A half-time pep talk had the desired effect as the previously quiet McGuckin and Levingstone combined exquisitely on the edge of the area, with the latter drilling the ball past the 'keeper. Rangers started to dominate more with their neat football forcing their opponents to defend desperately at times.

Chances came and went, with the visiting 'keeper making a number of crucial saves. Led by inspirational captain Paul Murphy, Rangers pressed even harder as time was ticking, and their perseverance and patience paid off as extra-time was looming.

Four minutes into added time, a dangerous Lakelands corner was cleared acrobatically by Ryan Cullen, finding Conor Levingstone just inside his own half. Taking it under control and turning in the one movement, he split the visitors' defence, with Nathan Brennan making the break from the left wing.

Shrugging off the challenge of the Lakelands defender, Brennan strode away and curled the ball into the top corner to clinch victory in the most dramatic fashion. It was no more than the home side deserved.

It was a day when Rangers had to show their battling qualities and togetherness to come from behind to beat a stubborn and much more physically strong Lakelands side. The foundation for victory was built on a rocksolid defensive display from the back four of Ryan Cullen, Paul Murphy, Bobby O'Sullivan and Nathan Brennan.

Paul Brennan and Neil Murphy manfully dictated the game in the middle of the park, springing several attacks with their astute passing. Eoin McGuckin worked tirelessly up front alongside the outstanding Conor Levingstone.

James Lynch, who was introduced at half-time, gave a masterly display of both defending and attacking, with one crucial tackle preventing a certain Lakelands goal.

Rangers now progress to the last 16 of the competition, where they will meet the winners of Villa from Waterford, or League of Ireland club Mervue United, from Galway.

Team: Adam Dunbar, Ryan Cullen, Nathan Brennan, Paul Murphy, Bobby O'Sullivan, Paul Brennan, Daniel Brennan, Neil Murphy, Eric Quinn, Eoin McGuckin, Conor Levingstone. Subs: James Lynch (half-time), Conor Gibson (35 minutes), Killian Cush, Stephen Hempenstall, Paul Carton, Dylan Kearon, Oisín Hobbs.

The Under-10 first team continued in their quest to retain their Division 1 North title with a comfortable win over Gorey Celtic. The game between the two local teams started off with one or two chances at both ends before Rangers took the game by the scruff of the neck.

The first-half produced numerous chances for Rangers in front of goal, with Derick Woods and Callum Devlin missing opportunities to put the home side in the lead early on. Then the deadlock was broken ten minutes before half-time when Callum Devlin popped up brilliantly in front of goal to strike home for Rangers' first.

Rangers' midfield then took control of the game, with Michael Molloy, Callum Devlin and Dillon Dixon working tirelessly in their positions. Just before half-time the score was 2-0 after a great move from defence to attack saw Tiernan Doyle fire past the 'keeper.

The second-half proved to be a little harder, with Gorey Celtic getting some chances in front of goal, which were dealt with well by Gorey Rangers' 'keeper and a rock-solid defence.

Then with about five minutes left, up stepped Michael Molloy to fire home Rangers' third of the day and gain the three points for the home team. Everyone played extremely well.

Team: Ryan Price, Jack Cullen, David Christie, Eddie O'Brien-Murphy, Dillon Dixon, Michael Molloy, Callum Devlin, Derick Woods, Tiernan Doyle, Corey Meyler, David Vessey, Lee Kenny.

GOREY CELTIC F.C.

The first team were home to St. Joseph's last weekend in the league. The lads lads came out 3-2 winners, with goals coming from Phelim Gallagher and two from David O'Brien.

The game was marred by a bad collision involving Will Doyle who sustained a broken leg. The club would like to wish Will a speedy recovery. We would also like to thank and praise the great response and care given to Will by the Gorey Ambulance Service.

The second team had the weekend off, but the third team were home to Orrill in Division 5. The lads were easy 2-0 winners, with the goals coming from Darren O'Mahony and Nani.

RACING 795

Racing 795 is hosting Tri795, a sprint distance triathlon, in Bunclody on Sunday, August 1. Tri795 will include a 500m swim in Bunclody swimming pool, a 20km cycle taking in Kildavin and Clonegal, and a 5km run to finish.

Online registration for the event opens on March 1 at www.racing795.com/tri795. Further information regarding entry fees, race licences, full course details and maps are available on the site now. Tri795 is supported by Sports Active Wexford, Women In Sport and the Carlton Millrace Hotel.

Club members were out in force on Sunday last, getting in some practice for Tri795 at the Racing 795 club duathlon. P.J. Dunne from Clonegal was the impressive winner. Well done to P.J. and everyone who took part.

Thanks to organiser Barry Byrne and to the timekeepers and marshals. Special thanks to Kildavin G.A.A. for the use of Spellman Park for parking and transition.

In other news, preparations continue apace for the Leinster XC League round one, a cross-country mountain bike race which will take place in Kilbrannish near Bunclody on March 28. As always, details are available on www.racing795.com.

ENNISCORTHY HOCKEY

Enniscorthy 0, Carlow 1: Enniscorthy had a disappointing finish to their league campaign by losing to Carlow in frosty conditions on Wednesday last in Kilkenny.

Enniscorthy had most of the play in the first-half with numerous shots on goal. The ball did cross the line on more than one occasion for the Enniscorthy forwards but didn't register on the scoreboard.

A Laura Stotesbury strike from the top of the circle during a short corner was deemed too high, and a strike by Olga Williamson from outside the circle wasn't touched inside before hitting the backboard.

Carlow had their breaks in the firsthalf too but all remained even at halftime. Enniscorthy dominated again for the opening minutes of the secondhalf before Carlow began to find some space and apply the pressure on the defence.

As with the first match of the season against Carlow, a soft goal in the dying minutes left Enniscorthy with no points to show for some excellent play.

BREE A.C.

Catríona Corcoran received the Ann O'Keeffe award at the 2009 county medals presentation night held on Wednesday last in the Stanville Lodge Hotel. This award is presented each year to the best Co. Wexford female Under-17 athlete.

After an impressive 2009 season, Catríona's 2010 season has got off to a great start with two All-Ireland medals achieved in January.

The Juvenile indoor season continues next weekend in Nenagh where the Leinster championships will take place. Good luck to all our young athletes taking part.

FERNS RUNNING CLUB

Ferns Running Club held its latest Fit4Life run on Wednesday last, and the event moved up to four laps of the 'V', which comprises a distance just shy of three miles.

Results: Lahcen Aouissar, 16.16; Paul Gibbons, 16.34; Tommy Levingston, 16.54; Myles Gibbons, 17.02; Pat O'Neill, 18.39; Denis Moynihan, 18.46; David Leonard, 18.59; Aidan Doyle, 18.59; Noel Kennedy, 20.12; Ben Murphy, 21.34; Paddy Leacy, 21.38; Paul Mountain, 30.30.

The ladies covered three laps: Louise Kehoe, 21.48; Christine Doyle, 23.10.

The series continues tonight (Wednesday) when runners will again complete four laps and anyone (of any running standard) is encouraged to come along and increase their fitness by enjoying a run with some friendly rivalry. More information from Luke Kehoe on 0873222914.

SOUTH EAST ROAD CLUB

It was another busy weekend for the South East Road Club. Saturday last saw a good turn-out for the racing section's training spin. This group is preparing for some of the upcoming races including the Gorey Three Day race and the Shay Elliott race.

Sunday morning saw a large combined group of both leisure and racing cyclists do a long spin, whilst the under-age section had a leisurely cycle to Aughrim and back under the stewardship of an experienced cyclist. Among those joining the group was Richard Young, father of top class under-age cyclists, Reece and Elliot, who is no mean cyclist himself.

Stephen Bracken and Tony Breen competed in the training race organised by Slipstream and both gave very good accounts of themselves. Tony is a first year Junior while Stephen has just graduated to the Under-16 ranks. Both are very talented and dedicated cyclists and have a great future ahead of them in the sport.

The club has also been asked to participate in the Laurence Dallaglio cycleslam, which will arrive in Rosslare Harbour on Friday, March 2, at 2 p.m. approximately. This is a great honour for the club, particularly for the under-age members who will be meeting famous sports stars from the worlds of rugby and soccer, including former soccer players, Lee Dixon and Les Ferdinand, former Irish professional cyclist and current top sportswriter, Paul Kimmage, and former England rugby captain, Laurence Dallaglio, who are taking part in this gruelling 24-day cycle from Rome to Edinburgh.

The South East Road Club have agreed to accompany the cyclists into Arklow on the Friday afternoon where they will be staying in the Arklow Bay Hotel, and then to accompany them as they leave Arklow for Dublin on the following morning.

The cyclists will have completed 2,500 hundred kilometres of their 3,000 kilometre cycle on their arrival in Arklow. The purpose of the cycle is to visit all the Rugby Six Nations stadia whilst raising funds for Sports Relief and the Dallaglio Foundation.