Hunt on in earnest for AIL’s coveted play-offs

THE AIB All-Ireland League may have lost its appeal for all but the most dedicated club followers.

Sat, 04 Mar, 2006 - 00:00

Charlie Mulqueen

And what a pity.

There have been some terrific matches and heart-warming occasions, especially in the lower echelons where clubs like Clonakilty, Suttonians and Bruff, have been performing well.

Four series of matches remain to be completed before the semi-finalists in each group are ascertained while, with the possible exception of Terenure College in Division Two, the honours are still a long from being decided.

Division One has thrown up four outstanding teams. Leaders on 43 points are holders Shannon who have lost only once in 11 outings - despite having their squad depleted almost weekly by Munster’s requirements.

They have remarkable strength in depth while coach Mick Galwey has mixed and matched the available resources in magnificent fashion.

However, they have a mere point to spare over both Clontarf (the only side to lower their colours in 11 outings) and Garryowen whom they meet at Dooradoyle this afternoon.

Shannon, Clontarf (who have picked up the remarkable number of 10 bonus points) and Garryowen are currently in the driving seat with Cork Constitution next best on 38 points. Belfast Harlequins, last year’s beaten finalists, can still crash the top four but it’s highly unlikely.

They are four points behind Con and the two meet in Belfast later today after which ‘Quins must also travel to Clontarf and Shannon. Furthermore, Con morale is sky high after last weekend’s hard earned AIB Cup semi-final victory over Buccaneers, and the Cork side are the only remaining club in the running for a league and cup double. At the other end of the table, Dublin University and Co Carlow are destined for life in Division Two next season.

Terenure look certainties to capture the Division Two title. They have opened up a six-point gap over Dolphin, who in turn are two ahead of Young Munster.

While UCC, 4th on 36 points, are pretty sure of completing the top four, they could also have a big say in deciding which teams join Terenure in the Premier Division, given that they have yet to play both Dolphin and Young Munster.

Waterpark are set to be relegated to Division Three and those most in danger of joining them are Highfield (18 pts), Ballynahinch and Malone (both 19), Midleton (20) and Greystones (21).

Who could have imagined a short few years ago that Clonakilty would be showing the way to the likes of Instonians and Wanderers? That’s just what’s happening in Division Three. The West Cork club are tied at the top with Suttonians on 41 points, three more than Instonians and Wanderers, who share third on 38.

The visit of Wanderers to The Vale on Saturday week promises to be one of the biggest days in Clon’s history and victory would go a long way to seeing them into Division Two next year.

On the other hand, one of the teams at the bottom of the table will drop out of the league. Skerries are “favourites” right now on 13 points although Queens University and Connemara, both 14, and Portadown, 15, are anything but safe.

Matches to come for clubs chasing titles and play-off places and avoiding relegation:

DIVISION ONE:

Shannon: Garryowen (a); Carlow (h); UCD (a); Belfast Harlequins (h).

Clontarf: UCD (a); Harlequins (h); St Mary’s Coll (a); Galwegians (h).

Garryowen: Shannon (h); Lansdowne (a); Carlow (h); UCD (h).

Cork Constitution: Harlequins (a); St Mary’s (h); Galwegians (a); Dublin University (h).

Harlequins: Cork Con (h); Clontarf (a); Blackrock (h); Shannon (a).

Doomed: Dublin University and Carlow.

DIVISION TWO (top two promoted, bottom two relegated).

Terenure College: Thomond (a); DLSP (h); Highfield (a); Malone (h).

Dolphin: Old Crescent (h); Midleton (a); UCC (h); Bective Rangers (a).

Young Munster: Midleton (h); UCC (a); Bective Rangers (h); Old Belvedere (a).