OCD1: Entering the Home Straight

We have reached the halfway mark in the season with just one match outstanding. Victories by Clontarf and YMCA during the week have certainly helped clarify the issues for clubs going into the second part of the season. 

Clontarf are in poll position and are the bookies favourites to take the title. Today they have an away match against Merrion.  In the reverse fixture at the start of the year Clontarf there was little to choose between the sides and Clontarf only managed a win by two runs. But since then the clubs have had very different fortunes and with no overseas player and others missing on international duty Merrion are a much weakened side. 

In Claremont Avenue YMCA take on North County. YMCA have underperformed this year in the league but there are signs of a turn-around. A win today and in their outstanding match v Railway would put them in good shape for a mid-table finish. North County will feel reasonably content with three wins in the first cycle of matches and know that they only need a couple more to extend their stay in D1 [NC are the only club never to have been demoted from D1] and will be hoping to repeat their victory over YMCA in April.

The outcome of the Pembroke v The Hills encounter may well determine who is in best position to challenge Clontarf for the title. Both teams lost T20 refixes during the week and will need to quickly get their season back on track. In the reverse fixture The Hills won by five wickets but Pembroke recovered quickly to win four of their next five games. Little to choose between the sides. 

The final game sees Railway Union take on Phoenix. Railway have struggled this season and have only a T20 win over Merrion to show for their efforts. Phoenix on the other hand had a good first half to the season and will be confident that they can secure a fifth win. While Phoenix are perhaps not consistent enough to challenge for the title - a win today woud go a long way towards relieving any remaining pressure on the team that they could be drawn into a relegation battle.