Somehow or other the two top leagues continue into the last week with all the key outcomes still undecided. It hardly looked this way at the start of the day with Clontarf, who have been in great form all season, just needing a win to take the D1 title. Being bowled out [following a delayed start] for 66 was not part of the script. Having duly lost to North County by six wickets everything still looked fine as Phoenix seemed on course to defeat second placed Pembroke. Chasing 198 to win, at 120/2 and 160/4 the match should have been in the bag - but Pembroke kept taking wickets and somehow or other managed to hold on to win by one run. The 20 points obtained keeps them just in touch with Clontarf [just] who take on Phoenix next week.
At the other end of the table Railway were all out for 82 but still managed a few bonus points as YMCA experimented with their batting order and lost six wickets chasing down the score. At the same time Merrion, having recovered from 74/5 to post a reasonable score of 193, were unable to make any inroads into The Hills’ batting and ended up losing by eight wickets. What this means is that the T20 game between the two sides [Railway v Merrion] on Tuesday could decide the 7th/8th placings. With Merrion 12 points ahead, this means that if they win they cannot be caught by Railway in the final match. If they lose then it goes to the final round and Railway have control of their own destiny.
Finally, due to their narrow loss against Pembroke, Phoenix can still be overtaken by Merrion if they [Merrion] win their last two matches and Phoenix lose theirs against Clontarf and depending on the distribution of bonus points.
Matters were a little more straightforward in D2 but even here there was a tie in one of the two matches played. Somehow Leinster managed to defend 119 and hold out for a tied score. More points for Leinster but they are still not guaranteed the title [and automatic promotion] and have to play Cork County [today - Monday] who secured their sixth and seventh wins in a row over the weekend. A win for Cork will take them ahead of DU and put them in poll position for the title. Balbriggan will have to hope that Leinster win and that they can beat Cork in the Mardyke in their final scheduled match. If Balbriggan win then they have to play Rush next Sunday. All very interesting.