Preview of RSA OCD1/D2 and Pundits Corner

With the forecast for a general improvement in the weather it is to be hoped that we will be able to complete this third day of the critical August Bank Holiday without too many matches interrupted for rain.

Over the past couple of days we have seen a few matches requiring the use of Duckworth-Lewis to reach a result. On Saturday the semi-finals of the RSA Irish Senior and National Cups held in Leinster saw Clontarf and Malahide [both batting second] get through to their respective finals using DL. Merrion were fortunate to secure their win without the aid of the computer. Yesterday saw Clontarf II win the RSA Senior II Cup by the narrowest [1 run] margin in Claremont Road also with the use of DL.

Today sees a full round [R10] of matches in RSA Open Competitions D1 and D2 Leagues. With the end of season in sight and competition so tight in pursuit of the Championship the leading clubs cannot afford any slip-ups. The key match is undoubtedly the contest between YMCA and Railway Union. YMCA will be keen to bounce back from their loss in the semi-final of the RISC on Saturday and maintain their ‘top-of-table’ spot for another week.

In the other three matches the clubs chasing YMCA will need to avoid an upset against the bottom three clubs. Phoenix [v Merrion] and Leinster [v North County] have home advantage but it should not be enough. The Hills [v Pembroke] should also be able to maintain pressure on YMCA with a win. It is still mathematically possible for Phoenix and Leinster to overtake Pembroke [third last] but time is running out.

In the three D2 matches [Rush do not have a game] comfortable wins for Terenure [v Merrion II] and Clontarf [Leinster II] are to be expected. The Balbriggan [v Malahide] match offers the possibility of Balbriggan springing a surprise but Malahide, buoyed by the good form that has seen them into the final of the RNC, should be too strong. This is still the key match in D2 and if Balbriggan could somehow sneak a win, or even gets some bonus points, it would be a big step towards avoiding relegation.

I will leave the last word to the Pundits. For those who can remember back that far, the last time the pundits spoke there were wins for YMCA, The Hills, Pembroke and Railway Union [D1] and Clontarf, Malahide and Balbriggan [D2]. In terms of predicted results, none of the pundits got all seven matches correct. The author, who with a heavy heart had correctly opted for The Hills to win over Merrion, achieved six out of seven [let down by North County] as did Stu Daltry who correctly went for YMCA against North County but backed Merrion over The Hills. Paul Reynolds got five out of seven [entranced by the possibility of a Leinster II victory over Balbriggan] and Ger Siggins [strongly favouring home victories – except of course for Clontarf away] got four out of seven.

Based on the odds offered on the D1 matches, the pundits as a group would have come out marginally ahead – with €1.41 made from a virtual outlay of €16 [€1 bet on each match]. Resting on their laurels may be the reason why we have fewer predictions this week. Either that or some are protecting their averages.

The results from R9 and the overall table based on average scores are as follows:

The predictions for R10 – favourites all the way.

Late entry from emmet Riordan

YMCA 22 Railway Union 3
Phoenix 2 Merrion 23
Leinster 1 North Co 24
The Hills 21 Pembroke 4

Division Two
Terenure 21 Merrion 2nds 4
Clontarf 25 Leinster 2nds 0
Babriggan 3 Malahide 22