There are three games in OCD1 today. The match between YMCA and Merrion has been postponed due to the Womens International fixture in Claremont Road.
After the Senior Cup Final on Saturday, many will be viewing the clash between Pembroke and Clontarf in similar fashion. The gap between the two teams is currently 9.5 points but if Pembroke don’t win today Clontarf will be in a very strong position to take the title.. But if Pembroke can repeat their performance of earlier in the year then the title race is blown wide open once again.
A win for Pembroke would also open up a route to the title for The Hills, provided they can account for Phoenix in the Vineyard. For Phoenix another loss could drag them into the battle to avoid relegation. They are currently 19 points ahead of Merrion and 25 ahead of YMCA [who have a game in hand].
The last game is between Railway Union and North County but is to be played in North County due to problems with the wicket at Park Avenue.
Some interesting matches on the field and some equally important decisions off the field as the issue of the refixed match between YMCA and Railway goes to appeal this week.
In OCD2 Cork County take on Leinster in the Mardyke in the second massive match for the Rathmines club this weekend. Leinster have a comfortable lead in the league [if you discount Trinity who have completed their matches and should be overtaken soon] but a loss against one of the two challengers would make for an interesting run in for the remainder of the season. For Cork it is quite simply a must win match if they are to retain any hope of the title.
The other team in contention for promotion are Balbriggan. Currently 49 points behind Leinster [with a game in hand] and nine points ahead of Cork [on equal matches played] they will not want to slip up against Malahide at home.
The final game is between the bottom two sides and amy well determine the final placings. Whether this has any bearing on relegation given the position of the teams leading D3 remains an open question.