With seven teams locked in the race for promotion, 1B looks even more dramatic in these final weeks, Highfield and UCC just one of a few tasty games this weekend.
Old Wesley v Garryowen, Saturday March 2nd, Energia Park, 2pm
A massive meeting in the capital between two promotion chasers, with how compact the race is for a spot in the play-offs, every point now is crucial.
Wesley are second in the standings and with four points between them and fifth spot, they cannot afford any defeats in these final weeks to secure a spot in the promotion play-offs. Very much on the most inform teams in the AIL, winning all five of their meetings since the new year, they are producing the right stuff at the right time.
Same can be said for Garryowen. Dropping down from 1A, they have had some bumps in the road but certainly are a contender for the play-offs. Disregarding their defeat to St Mary’s a few weeks ago, the Limerick men have been impressive since Round 7, losing one and drawing one of the 7 games which have followed.
Highfield v UCC, Saturday March 2nd, Woodleigh Park, 2:30pm
The local Cork derby is sure to be another tantalising encounter this weekend, Highfield looking to establish a spot in the top four, as UCC mathematically are still in the hunt.
By the barest of margins Highfield suffered defeat on home soil last time out and need to dust themselves off as their neighbours make the very short trip to Woodleigh Park. The hosts did suffer defeat in the reverse fixture and will hope a varied run of results in recent weeks turns to better fortune in this final run in.
UCC looked in a fight for safety a few short weeks ago and while yes the maths say it could still happen, they are the same distance to fourth spot. UCC looked sharp early in the year but injuries and international commitments have seen the Leesiders lose some key men. The students are on a two game winning streak, looking to make it three against their neighbours.
Old Belvedere v Buccaneers, Saturday March 2nd, Ollie Campbell Park, 2:30pm
A game of contrasting fortunes in the table, Belvedere looking for points to stay in the promotion hunt, Buccs looking to claw their way out of bottom spot.
The hosts are looking for their first win since round 11 this weekend, two defeats and a draw have followed since, with both defeats being narrow margins. Belvo are vastly experienced and did make the play-offs last year, missing out narrowly on the title in the process.
A win is desperately needed by Buccs this weekend. The Westerners have failed to take a win since before Christmas and having dropped points to Queens who are also in the relegation zone, they cannot drop further points this weekend with just three games left after this weekend.
Queens University v Blackrock College, Saturday March 2nd, Dub Lane, 2:30pm
Blackrock have the chance to get back into the play-off faces if they can get a win over relegation threatened Queens on the road.
Another showdown we witnessed 12 months ago in 2A, Queens could end up back in 2A if they stay in the relegation play-off places. With nine points keeping them away from UCC, they still have the chance to automatically stay up, against their foes from last season, they need to build a winning run.
Blackrock were beaten heavily by Wesley in the previous round of action and look to dust themselves off for a trip back to Belfast. The visitors are in a mixed run of form of late and with just a few points between them and the play-off places they need to take points and build a winning run in these final games.
St Mary’s College v Naas, Saturday March 2nd, Templeville Road, 2:30pm
Mary’s are in party mode having wrapped up the 1B title, Naas make a short trip to Dublin looking to keep their promotion hopes alive.
Mary’s have been a real force in 1B and with four games left can sit back and relax knowing they are 1A bound next season. The Dubliners may still continue to go full steam ahead for these final games or give players minutes ahead of next season, either way they will want to keep just one defeat on the table this year.
While Mary’s title celebrations are chilled this weekend, Naas will hope their promotion hopes are not. Sitting in seventh they trail Belvedere by six points in that final play-off spot, hoping to slowly mount a charge to jump back into those coveted places in the coming weeks.
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.