The big match today is the play-off for promotion / relegation [OC Division 1 and 2] between Railway Union and Leinster at Claremont Road. The match starts at 11.00 and is the first time such a play-off has taken place. The fortunes of the two clubs have diverged in recent weeks. Leinster haven’t won in their last three games - managing two ties and a loss in a game played as a T20. Railway have won two out of their final three games - both re-fixes. There are thus a lot of variables - the longer format of the game may suit Leinster, Railway have momentum behind them, and of course much may depend on who is available for selection. It could be another tight context. In this case at least Leinster will know if it is a tie that they will get promotion.
In D3 all eight teams have an outing today and outstanding matters should be settled by this evening. YMCA II have already secured one of the two promotion spots and a win today against Pembroke II should be enough to take the title. They are being pressed by Merrion II who make the trip northside to take on Malahide II who are comfortably mid-table. In the other two games Clontarf II take on Leinster II and North County II entertain Laois. North County II are already down and with two losses yet to be officially recorded Laois may well be as well.
In D4 Phoenix II have already taken the title and will likely be followed up to D3 by The Hills II [there are a number of scorecards outstanding and The Hills have a win pending]. Dundrum are fighting to stay in the division and take on Railway II [Dundrum have at least one loss to be recorded]. YMCA III have no more matches scheduled and with a loss still to be recorded would appear to be down. Whether they are joined by Merrion III [who play tomorrow] or Dundrum could be determined this weekend.
The only match in D5 is between second and third placed Phoenix III and Merrion IV. Knockharley have already won the league and a victory for Phoenix today will ensure they join them. Merrion IV cannot be promoted as they have a team in the higher Division [and indeed could be relegated if that team is pushed down]. This is what nearly happened last season but then Merrion IV secured promotion. This year they may have to rely on Merrion IIIs staying up.
Just one game in D6 but it is an important one for Rush II who are chasing promotion [and have an outside shot at chasing down Longford for the title]. They take on Railway III who are lying fourth in the table.
Although not yet officially called - it is looking like Sandyford and Laois II for the two promotion spots in D7. The third and fourth placed teams [North Kildare II and Bagenalstown] are in action today and this may settle things. The title is still too close to call.
Balbriggan II are champions in D8. North County, who are lying second but still have work to do to take the second promotion spot, take them on today. The other match is between Knockharley II and Adamstown II, with the former still not assured of staying in D8.
There are number of outstanding scorecards and matches to be re-fixed so it is difficult to be definitive about the state of the league in D10. What is clear is that Railway IV are comfortably ahead and if they beat third placed Slieve Bloom then the title must be theirs. YMCA V are already confirmed in the bottom two and Leinster V are also in the frame and need to beat Castleknock II in Rathmines.
Two important games in D11 [which has already been won by Ringcommons] where Merrion VI need a win to give them a chance at promotion. In the other game Clondalkin [currently above Merrion in the table] take on fourth placed Clontarf V. All should be clear this evening. Meantime Terenure III and Pembroke V are already confirmed in the bottom two places.
Phoenix V are in action in D12 but a previous loss to Cabinteely [not included in table] makes it difficult to see a route to promotion [although Cabinteely have games in hand]. Only one game in D14 [Castleknock III v Wicklow II] which is unlikely to have any bearing on promotion - Wicklow have a margin over third placed Adamstown IV. In D15 Carlow II take on Mullingar III. Carlow are 11% points behind leaders Clontarf V so they have to win to stay in with a chance.
Finally two games in D16. AIB have completed their league programme on 80.94%. The two chasing teams - Adamstown V and Merrion VIII play today. In the other game Ashbourne II take on Bagenalstown III