Make-or-break games in AIL
The drama centres on the top and bottom of Divisions One and Two, with the only clear-cut issue being promotion from the third division, where Greystones are already guaranteed Division Two rugby next season. Clonakilty could join them, and are guaranteed a play-off against Barnhall, Highfield or Waterpark, who are all involved in a grim battle for Division Two survival.
Waterpark must pick up something from their home game against Old Belvedere to keep alive their hopes of avoiding a play-off. Highfield are also at home - to Malone - and the Cork club will be hoping that, having been on the wrong end of several close games this season, luck turns for them.
The three bottom clubs have 20 points each and are separated only by points difference. Barnhall look to be in most trouble because they play St. Mary’s at Templeville Road. Whilst Waterpark and Highfield’s respective opponents, Old Belvedere and Malone, have nothing but pride to play for, there is a lot at stake for St. Mary’s - they’re in third place, two points adrift of leaders Dolphin and behind UL Bohemians on points difference. UCC are a further two points back.
Dolphin’s programme is complete and the Cork club can only sit and await their fate from three venues. While the top two are promoted to Division One, each of Dolphin’s pursuers are capable of overtaking the Musgrave Park outfit.
St. Mary’s look bankers to pick up a victory over Barnhall but the games between UL Bohemian/Ballynahinch and UCC/Thomond are more difficult to predict. There’s not even much between the sides in terms of points difference.
Because Division One is expanded from 14 to 16 teams next season, there is relief among cellar-dwellers Dublin University, Co. Carlow and Lansdowne. The worst they have to fear is a home play-off against the third placed side in Division Two.
Still, there will be a huge degree of nerves when Lansdowne (16 points) take on the students (18 points) at Lansdowne Road) and when Carlow host UCD at Oak Park.
Division One’s four top - Shannon, Garryowen, Clontarf and Ballymena- are all guaranteed semi-final places, with home advantage decided today.
Last week, Shannon coach Michael Galwey stressed the importance of getting a home draw after his side had demolished Buccaneers in Ballinsaloe. Shannon head affairs but Galwey is still worried about the visit of Cork Con to Thomond Park this afternoon (2pm).
“There is never an easy game between the two sides. I would like to think we can retain our position at the top and we will give it everything ... but I’m still worried,” he said.
Across Limerick in Dooradoyle, Garryowen face up to Blackrock and the light blues are waiting for any Shannon slip-up. Said Galwey: “The probability is that Garryowen will win that game so we need to match them.”
Belfast Harlequins stand in third, two points behind Garryowen, and have the benefit of a home clash against fourth placed Clontarf.
As of this moment, Shannon look certain to play Clontarf and Garryowen to play Harlequins. But all that could change dramatically by 4 pm. All eyes will be on the results, all ears tuned to the radio.
IN order to achieve the format of three divisions of 16 at end of the season the following will apply:
The top two clubs in Division 2 will be automatically promoted to Division 1. The bottom club in Division 1 will play-off with home advantage against third placed club in Division 2.
The top club in Division 3 will be automatically promoted to Division 2. The bottom club in Division 2 will play-off with home advantage against the second placed club in Division 3.
The bottom club in Division 3 will be relegated and the winner of the round-robin qualifying league will be promoted to Division 3. The play-offs will take place on April 23.
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