With the promotion from D2 settled, attention turns to what is happening at the top of D3. YMCA won over the weekend and will probably be happy enough with the abandoned game between Balbriggan and Clontarf IIs. This also means that neither has closed the gap on leaders Merrion II.
In fourth place YMCA have one match to play. If they can secure a full point victory over Pembroke this would bring them up to 57% still outside the two teams in promotion spots. Balbriggan also only have one match to play and a full point victory would bring them to 58.66%. Also dependent on Merrion II or Clontarf II slipping up.
This remains possible, however as Merrion have three games to play and Clontarf two. Merrion play The Hills, who are struggling to avoid relegation, twice at the end of the season. Merrion also have a tricky fixture against North County II. Clontarf play Pembroke II and Civil Service.
There are a number of permutations but if Clontarf win their two remaining matches with full points, then Merrion cannot afford to lose even one of their three remaining games. However, a single win out of the three will probably be enough to ensure that Merrion stay in one of the promotion spots. A win and seven bonus points ensures at least second place. This is all subject to pretty fragile maths.