With just two games remaining until the semi finals of the Energia All Ireland League, five sides still have the chance to seal a top four finish.
Belfast Harlequins host Galway Corinthians this weekend and a win will all but seal their place in the top 4. Elsewhere, Sligo, Malahide and Dungannon will all be eager to end the season on a high note after a mixed season.
Belfast Harlequins v Galway Corinthians, Saturday 2nd April, Deramore Park, 2:30pm.
Two of the divisions most impressive and in form sides clash this weekend. A win for either team will all but cement their place in the Top 4. Corinthians defeated league leaders Greystones last weekend and a bonus point in for them this weekend could take them into first place in the standings if Stones fail to win. The Ulster side beat Ballina 21-10 last time out and will be keen to continue their good run of form.
Blackrock College v Ballina, Saturday 2nd April, Stradbrook, 2:30pm.
Rock is another side pushing for promotion and currently sitting in third place in the table after 10 wins from their 16 games. The Stradbrook outfit defeated bottom side Galwegians last weekend and face a Ballina side who are sitting second from bottom this week. Ballina have struggled to find form this season but are sitting comfortably ahead of Galwegians and their survival is almost confirmed.
Galwegians v Wanderers, Saturday 2nd April, Crowley Park, 2:30pm.
Both sides will be desperate for a win this weekend, and should Wanderers win, it will relegate Galwegians to Division 2C. Meanwhile for The Chaps, a victory is vital towards their promotion charge. Wanderers fell to a disappointing loss away to Dungannon last time out while Galwegians were beaten by Blackrock College.
Greystones v Malahide, Saturday 2nd April, Dr.Hickey Park, 2:30pm
Stones have struggled with consistency since the turn of the new year after becoming runaway league leaders at Christmas time. Since then, the Wicklow side’s lead at the top of the table has been cut to four points after last weekend’s defeat to Galway Corinthians. Malahide have found an excellent run of form in recent weeks with five wins from their last six games.
Sligo v Dungannon, Saturday 2nd April, Hamilton Park, 2:30pm
It’s sixth versus seventh this week and Dungannon can leapfrog once promotion hopefuls Sligo with a win at Hamilton Park. Dungannon beat Wanderers last time out while Sligo fell to yet another defeat, this time at the hands of Malahide. Both teams will be eager to see out the season with some good form.
Luke Delaney
Luke is a final year Journalism student in DCU. He is a Sports Reporter for Wicklow People Sport and FinalWhistle.ie.