Even though scheduled matches in the Open Competitions continue for another two weekends there is a definite end of season feel to the final rounds of the Mason Alexander / LHW Financial Services Premier and the Russell Court D2 leagues.
With titles already decided the primary focus will be on remaining issue to be contested, who will move up from D2 next season and who will fall out of the Premier league. Two games from the top tier can effect this outcome - Leinster v North County and The Hills v Phoenix. The equation is straight forward - if both teams win or lose then Phoenix will be automatically relegated and Leinster will go into the play-off. For Phoenix to overtake Leinster and take the play-off spot they have to win and Leinster lose.
Railway’s win against Cork County last night has meant that they have now moved above Rush into second place in D2. This now means that it is a straight shoot-out between the two sides today in Kenure with the winner having the opportunity to play off next weekend for the coveted Premier place next season. The play-off takes place next weekend.
Regarding the rest of the games a more relaxed atmosphere can be expected with little at stake in terms of league placings. Outside of the play-off spot the league positions in D2 are now all settled. In the Premier league YMCA can overtake North County and take third place if they win and NC lose. A swing of 25 points would be needed to allow Pembroke to move up a place and displace YMCA in 4th.
Match of the Day today will be in Anglesea Road where Merrion and Clontarf are in action. A few weeks ago a final round league decider looked very much on the cards. In the end Merrion’s extra win and massive total of bonus points [4.3 per match] means that Clontarf cannot overtake Merrion.
And finally, Malahide travel to Balbriggan in D2 the title and promotion already in the bag but seeking to emulate Merrion’s performance of last season and go through the league campaign winning all their matches.
Matches today [all starting at 12.00]
Merrion v Clontarf [MoD]
Leinster v North County
YMCA v Pembroke
The Hills v Phoenix
Rush v Railway Union
Balbriggan v Malahide
Cork County v Terenure