Clontarf will have a wait a little longer to be crowned champions again. They came off second best [just] in what looked like an absolutely stunning game on Sunday against North County where they fell two runs short chasing 283 to win. Despite the loss they are still in control of their own destiny but have opened up the sliver of a opportunity for their main rivals. Perhaps reminiscent of policies in a not too distant place, an effective challenge might be more likely if we knew who the main challenger was. As it is teams keep beating each other as Clontarf move closer to the title.
The bottom line is that Clontarf have 75 points available over the rest of the season and are well ahead in points over their nearest rivals - Leinster [38] and The Hills [40]. But Leinster [v YMCA] have a game in hand. If Leinster were to win that extra game they could come to within the points from a single win of the leaders. Leinster would reach 258 points if they won all their remaining games with full points. That means Clontarf need 63 from their remaining three games to guarantee the title [36 points if The Hills were to win their three games with full points]. Of course that figure reduces as Leinster drop points. Another way of looking at it is that at this stage any one of six teams can mathematically overtake Clontarf. Realistically it is probably down to two. Clontarf’s remaining figures are against Pembroke [A], YMCA [H] and The Hills [A]. What are the chances that it could come down to the final game between Clontarf and The Hills.
With Malahide not taking part in the 11th Round of the RCD2 and Merrion recording another win there is not much to report at the top of the RCD2 table. Wins for Rush and Railway move them up the league.