In Round 8 of the RSA Open Competitions D1 League the four top teams [in terms of current league placings] play the four bottom teams. For the top teams a loss at this stage could do serious damage to their championship hopes. At the same time the other teams will be desperate to spring an upset and move them away from the relegation zone.
YMCA [top of league] play the bottom team, Phoenix. Phoenix put up a good performance in the last round and only went down to the The Hills by a single wicket. But YMCA will be a different proposition and given their current form and Home advantage it is difficult to see beyond a YMCA win.
Merrion [second] play second last [Leinster] in Rathmines. On the face of it one might expect another easy victory [Merrion secured 25 points in the first match of the season] but a lot has happened since then. Leinster have strengthen their side and are playing better as a team. One would still go for an away win but it could be a tight match.
The Hills [third] travel to Railway [6th]. Of all the matches this might be the one to look for an upset. Firstly, Railway will be anxious to bounce back from their travails arising from their encounter with Leinster in R7. Secondly, The Hills haven’t been playing particularly well of late. Finally, Railway have home advantage. The Hills will have to play well to come away with a win.
The final match is between 4th place North County and 5th place Pembroke. Although they are side by side on the league table, North County are a formidable team at Inch and should have enough firepower to see off Pembroke.
In D2 the Terenure v Rush match holds the greatest interest and if there is to be any disruption to the steady progression of Terenure towards promotion it has to start here. That isn’t to suggest that it is likely and Rush’s form has been unpredictable of late losing to both Balbriggan and Merrion II. A major effort required from Rush to cause an upset.
Clontarf take on Balbriggan and it is difficult to see anything other than a comfortable Clontarf win.
The final match sees the two 2nd XI teams going head to head. Last time around Merrion took all 25 points and they will be keen to repeat the performance at Anglesea Road.
Selections [clubs are asked to put up selections on website or send in before midnight Thursday]
Merrion [v Leinster] Merrion schoolboy Nick Peters makes his senior debut coming in for the injured Stuart McDonald. David Watkins is also unavailable and Kade Beasley returns to captain the 2nd XI.
Full team: D Joyce, B Thompson, J Anderson, B Ackland, N Rowe, T Kane, D Poder, J Blakeney, P Blakeney, N Peters, S Morrissey.
Merrion II [v Leinster II]. K Beasley, N Brown, C O’Donoghue, R Watkins, A O’Brien, H Kennedy, R Bridge, R Ensor, A Raghavan, A Parkinson, A N Other.