Plenty of dramatic action is in store for Division 1B as it returns this weekend from a short hiatus. The battle for promotion is on as Blackrock and Old Belvedere meet in the game of the weekend in this competitive Division.
Blackrock College v Old Belvedere, Saturday March 23rd, Stradbrook, 2:30pm
Blackrock still have the chance to make the play-offs and will need a win plus other results to see them back into contention.
A real promotion battle between these two as Blackrock trail fourth placed Garryowen by three points with a six point gap between these two top Dublin clubs. Rock have lost their last two games and have drifted down the pecking order, they need to turn that around this weekend.
Belvedere are not guaranteed a spot in the play-offs just yet but a win here would give the Ollie Campbell faithful a real shot at making it. With a tough final run in of games, they will want to inflict defeat on their Dublin foes this weekend, winning last time out will give them confidence going into this contest.
Buccaneers v Highfield, Saturday March 23rd, Dubarry Park, 2:30pm
Defeat for Buccaneers this weekend would confirm they will finish in the relegation zone should UCC get a result, this is a must win to potentially keep them up via the play-off method.
The basement side are nine points behind Queens, they need a win to cut the deficit but that has proved a difficult task. Buccs have lost their last six games in succession and while they have put in the graft it has not materialised the points, it has to change this weekend as time is running out.
Highfield have been around the play-off places throughout the campaign, just score difference is keeping them in fifth behind Garryowen, they have to better their result this weekend to move back into the play-off places. Winning last time out will give them that edge.
Garryowen v Queens University, Saturday March 23rd, Dooradoyle, 2:30pm
Having dropped down to 1B this season Garryowen could make the stay a short one if they can get points in these final three games and keep the chasing pack at bay.
Having lost last time out to Wesley they need to pick themselves back up if they are to remain in the promotion hunt. With Belvedere and Highfield on the horizon this is a game they are fancied to win and must to keep that slender lead holding down fourth spot. Garryowen lifted silverware last weekend and were crowned Munster Senior Challenge Cup champions.
Queens have been able to pull off upsets, they toppled Blackrock in their last outing as they were in the promotion hunt and they will aim to do similar this weekend as they fight for survival. Five points is all that separates them from UCC, it is still in their hands.
Naas v Old Wesley, Saturday March 23rd, Forenaughts, 2:30pm
Naas could be running the risk of falling into a relegation battle, depending on results beneath them they cannot afford more dropped points, Wesley make the short trip to Kildare to keep their promotion hunt alive.
Just seven points is all that separates Naas from the drop zone and if Queens and UCC take wins this weekend and they fail to do so it starts to ask the question could they be in trouble. Losing their last three games has them in poor form and they need that to end this weekend.
Wesley on the other hand or one of a host of clubs in that top bracket trying to confirm a play-off place, it cannot be done this weekend but they have to keep up a positive winning run to get them there. You have to commend their workrate to go from near the bottom of the table deducted points to winning six games in a row since the new year and now being back in the promotion picture, it is not over yet more hurdles are left to overcome.
UCC v St Mary’s College, Saturday March 23rd, The Mardyke, 2:30pm
With St Mary’s still in party mode off the back of their 1B success, UCC will look to take a valuable points haul and move themselves further to safety.
Having suffered defeat to their local rivals in Round 15, UCC need a win this weekend to keep Queens off their backs, they will need points to stay afloat, unlucky to lose key players they have to win this game to avoid dropping down the order in the coming weeks.
Mary’s are already preparing for 1A next year, celebrating their win in style against Naas on home soil, with that already a guarantee they have little left to play for in these final weeks, looking at next year really is the important thing to see how they shape up for the top table.
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.