The first round of the Senior II Cup [still without a sponsor] takes place today. Six games scheduled
Knockharley v Phoenix II
The Hills II v North County II
Clontarf II v Dundrum
Malahide II v Laois
Pembroke II v Railway Union II
YMCA II v Leinster II
There is not a lot to go on in terms of form. Leinster II and The Hills II occupy the two top spots in Division III and would thus be counted favourites against NC [D4] and YMCA, who are currently last in D3. But cups rarely go according to league placing - and any match between The Hills and NC takes on local derby status where anything can happen.
Knockharley [who are third in D4] will fancy their chances of causing an upset against their higher ranking opponent Phoenix - especially with home advantage. Phoenix have a 50% record this season in D3.
Another local derby sees close neighbours Pembroke and Railway Union lock horns. In this case all the cards seem stacked in favour of the home team - home advantage, form and higher ranking.
Clontarf take on Dundrum. Neither team has really performed this season - Clontarf have lost three out of four in D3 and are currently lying 7th. Dundrum are last in D4 but from only one match, however, the lack of match practice may prove decisive.
The final game sees Malahide take on Laois. Again the pundits will favour the home side - as Laois have not performed well in D4 this year and are lying just above Dundrum. But of course Laois have a good track record in this competition to defend so league form may not be so relevant.