Waterpark and Instonians head-to-head likely title decider

WATERPARK’S head-to-head with Instonians at Shaws Bridge on April 5 looks like deciding the outcome of the AIB League third division.

The battle for the title appears to be a two-horse race with Waterpark holding on for dear life at the top.

Instonians, however, have a match in hand and are just three points adrift. Assuming the Ulster side pick up the points from that extra game and both continue to win, the scene would be set for a classic in two months time.

Wanderers lost vital ground when they were beaten by Highfield at Model Farm Road on Saturday and the home success was spearheaded by Wayne Jarvis.

Jarvis won the Man of the Match award for his contribution and, more importantly, for kicking the crucial points in an evenly contested match.

It was no surprise that both Waterpark and Instonians recorded comprehensive victories over the weekend.

Instonians had no difficulty in sweeping past bottom club Monkstown and picked up a bonus point for scoring four tries in the 29-0 win.

Not too far away in Upper Malone, Waterpark were never troubled against Queens University. They won that game 36-12 and also picked up a bonus point by scoring five tries.

Another top four side to lose ground were Corinthians who met Skerries on one of their better days at Holmpatrick, and were consoled only by picking up a bonus point as they lost 13-18.

Highfield's win pushes them into contention for a top four place but Corinthians have a match to spare and so too have Old Wesley, three points adrift in sixth position.

There was considerable relief in Naas as they accounted for Clonakilty. The 32-13 win, along with four tries, gave them a five point haul and pushed them into a much better position in second last position.

Monkstown look doomed, while Naas will likely battle it out with Derry and Queens to avoid relegation. Naas look guaranteed another victory when they take on Monkstown in their next game on March 1.