With just a few weeks left in the season the outcome for clubs in the promotion / relegation stakes are becoming clearer. A quick round up of what has happened over the weekend.
In D3, the emphatic win by Cork County over nearest rivals Clontarf 2 sees them take important step towards league title. YMCA 2 and Pembroke 2 also won to keep pressure on the leaders but with matches running out it is difficult to see anyone catching them now. YMCA probably have the best chance and have a re-fixture against Cork that could make a difference. Clontarf have to play YMCA and Pembroke again.
Three matches played in D4 over weekend. North Kildare are Champions after winning in Mullingar. Clontarf 3 lost heavily in their two games over the weekend and now have a lot to do to avoid relegation. Civil Service and Railway 2 both won with maximum points and are battling it out for the second promotion spot. The loss by Mullingar puts them in a three way struggle with Pembroke 3 and Clontarf 3 to avoid relegation.
In D5 YMCA 3 are champions after their win against North County. Merrion 3’s loss to Leinster 3 during the week may have dented their promotion hopes somewhat but they are still in second place with a number of games to play. No results in from Railway 3 v Laois 2.
Three matches in D6. North Kildare got their second win of season but this is not enough to affect their fate and they are still relegated. Railway complete their season with a win over Castleknock and [assuming all scorecards are submitted and results are confirmed] are uncatchable. Merrion strengthen their second place position with a win against Phoenix – who are now in a relegation battle with Rush and possibly Longford. Few results outstanding so difficult to tell. Merrion’s head-to-head with Terenure 2 on 15th September may well determine the second promotion spot.
Two matches in D7 – important win for Knockharley who are in second place against Bagenalstown, who look like they are relegated. No result from Balbriggan v Pembroke.
Busy weekend in D8 with five games played. But only one result in with Dundalk pressing their case for promotion with a win over The Hills.
Five games in D9. DU have already won this league and Knockharley are promoted. Interest at the bottom end where there are a lot of teams close together. Sandyford will be very happy with one wicket win over Swords. Leinster 5 didn't travel to Knockharley – and are close to relegation. Terenure also do not help their chances of survival in losing to Mullingar. Late result: YMCA 4 beat bottom team North County 4.
Another five matches in D10 but only one result – but the critical top of the table clash between Raliway 5 and Phoenix 4 goes the way of Railway.
The only result from the four D11 games played is a reported win for Slieve Bloom [but no details confirmed] against Castleknock.. An unwelcome defeat for Castleknock as they try to catch leaders Greystones 2. But their promotion spot looks secure. Late Result: Clontarf 5 beat North County 5 to put them in even greater danger of relegation. The win for Clontarf may keep the competition for promotion open a little longer but there is still a sizable gap between them and Greystones [I haven't done the math].
Three games in D12 and two results. Leinster 6 lose to Pembroke 6 and are in danger of being relegated along with Dundalk 2. Phoenix 5, in second place, win against Clontarf who are also struggling to stay in Division.
Four games played in D13. Railway 6 continue to reel in Trinity 3 and their win against Rush 4 brings them neck and neck with a trip to North Kildare next weekend. Knockharley’s win may also have doomed Civil Service 4 to relegation.
Finally, one game in D14 between Adamstown and Merrion 7 – no result.
Please note some of the results reported are provisional and need to be confirmed when scorecards are submitted.