The following landscape encapsulates the state of affairs as we approach the second-last round of the Energia All-Ireland League Division 1A. Stakeholders still fiercely compete for much-desired home semi-finals and the elusive last place in the top-four. The automatic relegation slot as well as the relegation play-off position remain uncertain. The last time an AIL campaign saw such nail-biting competition would be difficult to recall.
Leaders Clontarf, holding 63 points, face off against Terenure, just behind with 61 points. This event is one of four pivotal meetings within the top four divisions, mirroring the finales of the last two seasons. Both teams stand a good chance at securing a home semi-final with a victory.
Terenure’s side will be strengthened with the return of Leinster hooker, John McKee, and a scrumhalf duo from the academy, Fintan Gunne and Henry McErlean. Clontarf’s new additions include Leinster lock Martin Moloney and the under-20 Irish academy scrumhalf Ben Murphy. This intriguing encounter boasts a mix of rookies, pros and veterans from the world of Irish rugby.
Cork Constitution, currently on 60 points, hopes to attain an advantageous position in the top two by defeating Ballynahinch with 49 points. James Taylor, renowned as the division’s second highest points achiever, rejoins the team having been absent for the last three matches.
Should ‘Hinch fail to secure a win, Lansdowne, now reinforced with Charlie Tector, the Leinster academy outhalf, for their Easter Family Fun Day, can guarantee a semi-final position by defeating City of Armagh, who is currently positioned eighth with 25 points.
Young Munster, spared from the burden of relegation, are free to play fearlessly as they did in their previous outing, much like UCD, who are up against Trinity in the traditional colours match at College Park. A defeat for Trinity would seal their fate, dooming them to relegation.
In the closely contested 1B, St Mary’s stand as the newly promoted champions. They are preparing to face the second-placed team, Old Wesley. The pressure is also on for the remaining four teams who are aiming to secure play-off places.
The fifth-placed Old Belvedere, who currently hold 46 points, are set to host an in-form Garryowen, who are third with a close 47 points. In parallel, Highfield, currently situated in fourth place with 47 points, will entertain the sixth-placed Blackrock, who boasts of 43 points. UCC holds the chance to secure their survival provided they clinch a home win against Buccaneers, majorly responsible for the latter’s relegation. The match between Queens and Naas holds weight in a bid to avoid a relegation play-off.
Regarding the Division 2A, both Navan and UL Bohs still stand a mathematical chance to conclude in the play-offs, either end of the table. Leaders Nenagh could ensure their promotion possibility if they manage to grab a bonus point when they host second-placed Barnhall at home.
Moreover, Instonians seek a bonus point for sealing their position in 2B when they face Galway Corinthians in one of the day’s major clashes. Despite the significance of finishing second, it still guarantees a home semi-final in the play-offs. Wanderers and highly performing Sligo have secured their spots in the play-offs. Meanwhile, the crux lies with the bottom six teams, all of whom lie within the relegation area.
In series 2C, top two teams, Clogher Valley and Galwegians, will be dispatching to play against Tullamore and Midleton, each carrying play-off dreams. All three teams at the bottom, showing high determination to avoid relegation, managed to secure wins during the previous week. Host Ballina in ninth position is due to face Omagh Academicals, who carry a four points lead, in a crucial match at Heffernan Park, whilst Bangor, in the tenth spot, will be travelling to Clonmel.
This Saturday will witness various divisions showcasing matches at different locations nationwide, including meetings between Cork Constitution and Ballynahinch at Temple Hill, Lansdowne versus City of Armagh at Aviva Stadium Back Pitch, Terenure College against Clontarf at Lakelands. Others include the showdown between Dublin University and UCD in College Park.
Other encounters include Highfield vs Blackrock College in Woodleigh Park, Old Belvedere playing Garryowen in Ollie Campbell Park, Queens and Naas at Dub Lane, and St. Mary’s College facing Old Wesley on Templeville Road. The contest between UCC and the Buccaneers will be presented at The Mardyke.
The matches under division 2A include Ballymena vs Greystones taking place at Eaton Park. Banbridge and UL Bohemian will meet at Rifle Park, while Malone and Cashel will clash at Gibson Park. Meanwhile, at Takumi Park, Old Crescent will go against Navan.
The following matches are scheduled for Division 2B: Belfast Harlequins will compete against Dolphin at Deramore Park, Dungannon are playing Sligo at Stevenson Park, Galway Corinthians have a match with Instonians at Corinthian Park, and Rainey will face Wanderers at Hatrick Park.
In Division 2C, Ballina will come head to head with Omagh Academicals at Heffernan Park, Clonmel will go up against Bangor at Ardgaoithe, Enniscorthy will vie with Bruff at Alcast Park, Midleton are set to battle Galwegians at Towns Park and Tullamore will compete against Clogher Valley at Spollanstown.
On Sunday, a match of Division 1A is taking place between Shannon and Young Munster at Thomond Park Main Pitch at 5pm.