With St Mary’s very much assured of top spot, attention turns to the final places in the top four race, the race is wide open with second to seventh all able to finish in those places this weekend with the correct outcomes elsewhere.
Blackrock College v Old Wesley, Saturday February 17th, Stradbrook, 2:30pm
With how competitive the race for the other three places in the top four is at the moment, this Dublin derby is crucial for both these clubs to stay in the hunt.
Blackrock are still on the rise and will be hopeful of picking up a third promotion in a row this season. It has been a strong run over the last few years and taking three wins from their last five games, they have looked progressively better week on week.
Wesley made it to the play-off que last weekend and want to remain in the chase before we take a break. Wesley have won their last four games and want to keep that going against one of their Dublin rivals. The visitors lost 38-27 in the reverse of this fixture in November
Buccaneers v Queens University, Saturday February 17th, Dubarry Park, 2:30pm
A massive game concerning safety in 1B as Queens face Buccs with both sides squabbling at the foot of the table.
With ten points currently the gap to safety, not beyond the realms of possibility that one of these two could chase UCC in eight place should results favour them. Buccs are bottom as it hands on score difference, losing their last four games, that winning mentality will need to return this weekend.
Queens are in a similar boat to their Western counterparts, outside of some losing bonus points taken in recent weeks, they have not had a positive result since October. A season very much unparalleled from their campaign in 2A, they need to turn it around this weekend if they are to fight for safety.
Garryowen v Naas, Saturday February 17th, Dooradoyle, 2:30pm
Garryowen could well find themselves back in the play-off race this weekend, the same could be said for Naas who with the right results could also make it to the top four.
The Shannonsiders have been on an impressive run of late but their unbeaten run ended narrowly to Mary’s last weekend. Five wins and a draw prior to that defeat has them still in good form once they do not let last weekend’s setback dwell on their minds ahead of what is a must win game.
Naas also saw their recent winning run ended at the weekend, now a trip down the M7 awaits to return to winning ways and keep them in the play-off picture. This is a tough game for them for sure, while they took a 41-38 win in their home patch in November, a very different Garryowen side awaits them.
Highfield v St Mary’s College, Saturday February 17th, Woodleigh Park, 2:30pm
With St Mary’s all but assured top spot and what comes with it, eyes will be on Highfield to take points here and fight their way to the promotion play-offs.
The Leesiders lost ground last weekend falling to sixth in the standings, just two points behind Wesley, they will want to claw that back this weekend. A nail biting finish in Ollie Campbell kept them from dropping further points last weekend as they aim to keep their unbeaten run going this weekend.
Unless something dramatic occurs, St Mary’s 22 point lead at the summit looks to be enough to see them nail down top spot and head to 1A next season. It has been an incredible run by the Dubliners and no doubt they want to see the season out in style.
UCC v Old Belvedere, Saturday February 17th, The Mardyke, 2:30pm
Second from bottom host second place at The Mardyke this weekend, UCC looking to further their gap from the drop zone.
The Students scored a big win last weekend as they overcame Queens convincingly in Belfast, ending their recent losing streak in the process and now on the agenda is the test of Belvo. UCC lost 34-29 when the pair met in November, they need the points here.
Belvo might be second placed in the standings however they are tied with Blackrock but lead on score difference. With defeat this weekend Belvedere could find themselves outside of the play-offs, they have had some decent form of late and will be looking to continue that this weekend.
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.