Looking across the league tables in the Open Competition there is a good spread of clubs featuring in the promotion and relegation stakes. At the top of the respective tables [and this weekend's results except for D1/D2], there are five teams that are dominating their leagues with over 90% of available points. This small group is led by Merrion [D2], followed by Merrion III [D4], AIB [D14], Balbriggan III [D12] and Leinster II [D3]. Of course you don't need to score more than 90% to win a league as Dublin University II have proved having already won D9 with 89%. The only oher team with an unblemished record is Halverstown [D13] who are on 88% with five wins and a NR out of six games played.

Leaving aside the top two leagues, it is interesting that exactly half of the remaining table toppers [and thus contenders for promotion] are teams that are the 1st XI of their club. A further three clubs have teams in second spot. This compares with four 1st XI currently in the danger zone. This suggests that newer and smaller clubs are gradually making their way up the leader board.

Looking at the summary league tables Merrion teams figure three times, Clontarf and Bagenalstown twice each. There are 26 teams listed as currently being in the danger zone - but these are widely dispersed among 21 clubs.

But things can change quickly and only half of the teams that topped their leagues at the beginning of June [including Merrion in D2 rather than Dublin University] are still in the top spot - D2 / D3 / D4 / D9 / D10 / D11 / D14 / D15.

No doubt there will be further volatiliy in the results with the increased intensity of fixtures over the last six weeks of the season.

Finally, it is important to remember that there are many factors that go into determining the make-up of the leagues for the following year. Performance [promotion / relegation] is the most important factor but the OCC also has to take into account a other factors: any changes in the number of teams competing and the impact on the basic 8 team league structure, any significant changes in club player personnel notified to it, the avoidance of teams from the same club appearing in the same league, where to position teams entering the league for the first time. As always the final decision rests with the OCC.