The top positions in D5 have been settled with Malahide III champions and Greystones promoted. Four teams are still in the frame to fill the last two places. Clontarf III look doomed as they cannot catch Railway III and the other two involved, Merrion IV and North County III, play each other and whichever side wins will be also out of reach. If North County lose they will likely join Clontarf. The only real uncertainty is whether Merrion, who currently lie 6th, could be dragged into trouble if they were to lose their remaining matches.
In D6 Phoenix III are confirmed as promoted and take on Knockharley in what is effectively the league decider today in the Park. At this point it looks like Castleknock and Railway IV for the drop but the latter still have three games to play so could stage a recovery. Longford who though comfortably in mid-table at present, also have three games to play. Losing all three could bring them into danger. The only other team that might be involved is Sandyford who with one game left still has to keep checking the wing mirror in case Railway come up on the inside.
Nothing has been finally decided in D7 with up to 13 matches still to play. Balbriggan have yet to win a match so look most likely to go down, although they have matches in hand. Dublin University, who are second last, have a single refix [for double points] against Balbriggan so this could still matter. At the top Adamstown and Laois II are slugging it out – both @ 78%. Laois have games in hand so the ball is in their court – but Adamstown have points on the board so to speak.
Nothing officially confirmed in D9 but Leinster IV are way out in front, followed by Knockharley II nearly 15% points behind. Leinster have two matches to play but are not in action this weekend. Knockharley will need to beat Wicklow, and pick up plenty of bonus points, to put any pressure on the leaders. If Knockharley lose then this will leave the way open for third placed Civil Service II to make a late run for promotion.
Dundalk are propping up the league and although they have matches in hand do not look strong enough to stage a recovery. The Hills III have two games to overtake Malahide IV and the sides meet today in what may well prove the crucial fixture in determining who takes the second relegation spot.
Finally D9 where there are three matches involving Leinster V [only one at home] for which no results sent to Match Centre and no scorecards submitted. So difficult to be sure how the league stands. Phoenix IV and North County IV appear to have some space at the top of the table over the chasing pack. Phoenix have only one match to play but it is likely to be a difficult one against 3rd placed Greystones II who are chasing promotion with games in hand. Phoenix don’t play again until next weekend – and if North County can win tomorrow against bottom team Ringcommons then there will be little to choose between the teams at the top.
At the bottom of D9, Ringcommons have five matches left but look to be struggling and would have to win at least three of these to have a chance of overhauling Swords or Mullingar II. Mullingar have a good gap over Swords but if one of these teams could put together a run of victories then they may to able to reach safety.