RSA Division 10
2012 Champion - Leinster 6
2011-12 Top run scorer: R Bailey (YMCA) 563 runs at 62.56
2011-12 Top wicket taker: S Smith (Pembroke) 32 wkts at 15.66
It looks like being a real dog-fight in Division 10. Normally in these previews, there is an attempt to be positive about most teams. In this instance, I really can't see any team being weaker (or stronger than the rest). That won't stop a complete stab in the dark at the end!
Where to start? Merrion 6 were the standard bearers for 6th teams for many years. They've fallen back a bit, with Leinster passing them briefly last year. But with Leinster themselves falling back, Merrion are still the top 6ths around. There is a feeling that Merrion aren't quite as strong as they were at this level (that is to say very strong), and whilst they could easily win the league, I feel they may just miss out.
Phoenix's youth teams have been strengthening their lower teams for the last few years now, and 2013 could be the breakthrough. Phoenix's 4ths should probably be higher than this anyway, so expect a stong year.
Conversely Pembroke 5 and Malahide 5 may struggle just a bit (it is all relative!). The third 5th team, Railway Union are an interesting one. This was supposed to be Railway Union 4, which would have been odds on favourite for promotion. But Railway Union 4 have now stepped into the void left by the withdrawal of Leinster 4 in Division 6, so suddenly the Railway Union team in Division 10 could be struggling.
Rush and Civil Service are both happily plodding on at this level, and will stay there. So that leaves Laois 3 and Ringcommons 1.
With Laois' 2nds in Division 5, there is a five division gap, which suggests a strong promotion push. Ringcommons surprised no one by romping to the Division 13 title this year. A three division promotion followed, and no one really knows ho wthey will fare this year.
So where does that leave us? Phoenix 4 and Merrion 6 will battle for the second spot, with Laois 3 taking the title back to Togher