RSA Division 7
2012 Champion - Leinster 4
2011-12 Top run scorer: C Ousthuizen (Leinster) 545 runs at 28.68
2011-12 Top wicket taker: P McGrievy (North Kildare) 33 wkts at 14.94
Division 7 has the honour of starting the 2013 season, with today's (Sat 13th April) match between Clontarf 4 and Wexford Wanderers 1. Will either of those teams have a pennant on their table come the annual dinner in the Autumn?
Four first teams in the divisions mean that there is no need to ask questions such as what will availability be like on the higher teams, will they get their selection right, and will their starrings be honest, It's all about whether they are strong enough.
Greystones 1 were dominant in Division 12 in 2012, but a five division promotion is pretty unprecedented, and there is no way of knowing how they perform. With no real benchmark, I'll predict mid-table, but it could just as easily be promotion....or relegation. Not much of a prediction I know.
Bagenalstown, Knockharley and Wexford Wanderers were all in this division last year, and although there are no rumours of new players yet (early days!), that would change the order of things, Knockharley were mid-table, with the other two finishing in the bottom three. In reality though, all three are more likely to be in the bottom half than the top.
So with four of the bottom five safely predicted, who does that leave?
The two promoted teams from Division 8 both look strong.. Clontarf 4 destroyed virtually everything that was put in front of them last year, and Frankie's Army (possibly re-christened Del's Brigade?) could well earna second promotion. Balbriggan 2 should benefit from the general strengthening of the club, and I'd expect them to be challenging come the end of the season as well.
Pembroke 4 were pretty solidly mid-table last year, and although there are have been a good few outs from Sydney Parade, there have been a fair few ins as well. Not champion material, but too good to go down.
That just leaves Merrion 5. They are now two divison's higher than the next 5th team (Leinster), but pushed hard last season. Like most clubs, Merrion have experienced player movement this winter, but with more coming to experience the delights of Anglesea Road than leaving it, they may be stronger than last year, and will once again be challenging for top spot.
So the Division 7 prediction is a top three of Clontarf 4, Merrion 5 and Balbriggan 2, with Balbriggan 2 maybe just snatching it