Dolphin can’t take Bective for granted

THE battle for the one promotion spot from Division Two of the AIB League really hots up this afternoon with leaders Dolphin involved in a typical banana-skin style encounter against Bective Rangers at Musgrave Park while their closest pursuers, Old Crescent and Thomond, clash in a crucial tie at Rosbrien.

Dolphin currently have 39 points with Old Crescent on 37 and Thomond, 36. Dolphin demonstrated their league title intent last week when they fielded a reserve strength side against Thomond in a Munster Senior Cup tie and were heavily beaten. While they hold the edge at present, the picture that unfolds after today's matches will be nothing short of fascinating.

Bective are never a soft touch and while they are lodged in mid-table security with no ambitions or fears remaining, they are sure to provide Dolphin with a very tricky task.

John O'Mahony’s place kicking will surely play a key role in the eventual outcome.

A win for Thomond over Old Crescent in the Limerick derby would suit Dolphin best, although very little separates the top three with just five series of matches remaining.

After yesterday’s heavy and incessant rain, Crescent may not enjoy the top of the ground conditions that would suit their running style, especially with Munster ace Mike Mullins available in midfield.

“We would definitely prefer a dry and wind free day”, said Mullins last night.

On the other hand, Thomond like to keep things tight, work themselves into favourable positions and then rely on the place and drop kicking expertise of veteran Aidan O’Halloran to do the rest.

“We are expecting a hugely physical game, anything less would be an understatement coming up against a side like Thomond,” said Mullins, in his first season at Crescent where he is also part of the coaching structure.

“The two teams know each other very well. Ten or twelve of the Thomond side played for Young Munster and there are six or so ex-Munsters players on the Crescent team, including myself. It’s a very tough division to get out of and we’ll probably have to win every one of our remaining matches to do so. I find the second division a lot more physical than the first although there isn’t much in it. The game revolves around the forwards a bit more.”

At the other end of division two, the teams in most danger are currently Portadown and Greystones with 12 and 11 points respectively.

However, Sundays Well are by no means safe with just 16 to their credit and so are expecting no favours in this afternoon’s visit to Greystones.

Division 3 is a two horse race to all intents and purposes. Once mighty Instonians lead the way with 43 points and should have the edge over Corinthians in Galway.

Waterpark are a mere point behind Instonians and look a relatively safe bet against struggling City of Derry at Ballinakill.