RSA Division 5
2013 Champion - YMCA 3
Predicted 2013 Champion - No prediction!
2011-13 Top run scorer: Brian Gilmore (Malahide) 1061 runs at 44.21
2011-13 Top wicket taker: Rob O'Connor (Leinster) 52 wickets at 20.33
Predictions are always much easier when some of the action has already occurred. At least that is what I though when this article was being researched. Unfortunately, one of my tips has already lost twice, so a change needed!
Railway Union 3 had a pretty decent 2013, finishing in 2nd spot in this division, and only not being promoted because their 2nds cannot get out of Division 4. Railway didn't have a great record against Clontarf 3, so that loss on Saturday was to be expected. But Leinster 3 turned up in Park Avenue, and overturned a 1-6 losing record against Railway. With only 12 games left (which is an odd thing to be writing in a preview), it looks as if promotion may already be off the table. However, they haven't become a bad team overnight, and we'll predict 4th place.
Their conquerors on Monday, Leinster 3 have struggled somewhat in recent years. But that victory, with Conor O'Gorman and Ross MacMahon putting on 189 for the 5th wicket will have given them much confidence. Whether that is enough to challenge for promotion is unlikely, but there is a feelgood facot down Rathmines way at the moment, and they should improve on the 6th place last year - perhaps with 5th.
Malahide 3 have been a solid team in this league in recent years - primarily basing their solidity on Brian Gilmore. His 1061 runs have meant that they always have runs to defend, and more than often, Gilly will anchor a chase. There don't look to be too many very strong teams in this league this year, so Malahide may just stay ahead of the pack, and finish in 2nd.
North County 3 are another of the teams that have come to personify Division 5 in recent years. Not good enough for the trial that is Division 4, but too good to go down. 5th in 2012, 5th in 2013 with a good record against some teams (3-2 vs Railway Union 3, 4-2 vs Leinster 3), but bad ones against others (0-1 vs Terenure 2). They will be mid-table again this year ,but may drop a place - mainly due to this next team.
The ascent of Greystones has been the stuff of legends. The only question on everyone's lips now i show high can they go? A five division promotion to Division 7 in 2013 saw another title heading it's way to Co Wicklow. So how will they manage moving another two divisions up? It is difficult to tell. The only game they have played before against this opposition is a 54 run win in the YM Salver last June. They will be too good to be relegated, but whether they can get another promotion is one of the great imponderables. Perhaps 3rd this year?
Two more clubs came up from Division 6 at the end of last year, and unfortunately it is the task of this article to pass on the message that they may find it tough this year.
Merrion 4 are the highest ranked 4th team in the province, so there is no shame, but Division 5 will turn out to be too high. Their record against fellow Division 6 promotees is only 1-3, and they will struggle against most opponents.
Terenure 2 finished 3rd in Division 6 last year, and although there have been plenty of ins to go with the outs in Terenure (or outs to go with the ins depending on your viewpoint), it will be a tough ask to make up the six league places that is needed to avoid relegation back to Division 6.
That just leaves Clontarf 3. After a disppointing 2013 in Division 4 (where 3rd teams always struggle), they will be back on familiar ground this year. A 3-1 record over Railway has become a 4-1 record after last week's win. and that illustrates well the gap that will be between Clontarf 3 and the rest.