After last weekends washout of OCD1 and OCD2 matches there are better prospects for play today. The forecast is for cloudy conditions with scattered showers and a few bright or sunny spells. Highs 15 to 19C. There is a full schedule of matches with Terenure the only team not in action.
With only three points separating the first four teams this is the tightest it has ever been at this stage of the competition. The head to head between Pembroke [1st] and Phoenix [3rd] will mean that at least one of these teams will fall out of the close contention at the emd of the day. The Hills, who take on Merrion in The Vineyard, and Clontarf who have home advantage against North County, also have the chance of reaching the halfway mark in top spot is they can secure wins. The final game sees Railway taken on YMCA at Park Avenue - an important match for both teams as they try to move away from the relegation spots.
Perhaps the most interesting game of the day is between Balbriggan and Rush in D2. As the impact of the double point matches against Trinity start to work their way through the system the gaps between clubs will narrow. Rush [who are 48 points behind Balbriggan on the same number of matches played] will be very anxious to close the gap on their rivals for a promotion place. A win for Balbriggan would put them in a strong position as between the two clubs.
The second match, at Rathmines between Leinster and Malahide, gives the home team the opportunity to show why they are considered by many the most likely to win the league. Malahide have had a mixed season so far but have still chalked up three wins [including against DU] in D2. An important game for both sides.
The final game is between Cork County and North Kildare. Cork County need to ignite their season and see if they can regain some of their form of two years ago. North Kildare will look to take another scalp as they learn to adjust to competition in D2.