D10: Slieve Bloom’s full point win over second placed Merrion VI last weekend means that they have seen off the challenge from Merrion regardless of what happens in their last game. A loss, however, would still mean that they could be caught by Railway V, were Railway to win their final two outings. A win today for Slieve Bloom against Castleknock II will settle the title. Railway, who are also in action, need to win their last two matches to overtake Merrion.
At the other end of the table Pembroke V and Clontarf V are well detached from the rest and would require Castleknock II [who are 7th but still have four games to play] to embark on a losing sequence to provide a possible lifeline. Since Castleknock have still to play Clontarf and assuming one comes away with a victory –it is difficult to see how Pembroke can survive even if they win their last two games. It is still mathematically possible but it needs a perfect set of results and the weather to be selectively unkind.
With both teams winning last Sunday, it is still neck and neck between Longford II and Lucan at the top of D11. Although Adamstown II [3rd] have games in hand it is difficult to see both leading teams faltering in the final run in so the title is surely between them with Adamstown having an outside chance at promotion if results go right for them. All the leading teams are in action today.
At the other end of the table North County V and Leinster VI are most likely for relegation. The Hills look comfortable enough in 6th but have to play North County next weekend and it could still matter if other results went against them.
In D12 Merrion VII are out in front, followed by Adamstown III. Nobody else in contention at the moment but there are some scorecards missing and eleven matches still to be played – so difficult to determine exactly how league stands. Bagenalstown II are bottom but receive a walk-over today from Phoenix V. This probably won’t be enough to save them but they do have matches in hand, including two at home. The battle for the second relegation spot is likely to be between Railway VI and Pembroke VI both of whom are in action this weekend.
Division 13 is Dundrum III’s to lose. Again there are scorecards missing but if an unconfirmed win against bottom team Rush IV is included they go into their last two games probably needing only a single victory to stay ahead of Laois III and secure the league. The possible permutations can be put aside if Laois III don’t win today against Knockharley III. At the bottom of the table Rush IV are relegated –this has to be officially confirmed. Sandyford III can still haul themselves above Dundalk II and get out of the relegation zone but need to win the head-to-head today.
Finally, the winners of D14 are Wicklow II. Mullingar III will likely go up with them. If any more teams join the league next year and there is a restructuring then the bottom positions may be relevant.