Instonians will look to end 2023 on another high point and remain at the summit with the chasing pack just behind. Elsewhere Malahide will look to leave the relegation zone and Dungannon hope to close the gap to a return to the top four.
Sligo v Galway Corinthians, Saturday December 16th, Hamilton Park (Strandhill) 2pm
Kicking off at the slightly earlier time of 2pm will be the Connacht Derby between Sligo and Galway Corinthians, a game with plenty at stake for both.
Sligo are unbeaten in their last two contests and will be looking to keep that going this weekend and strengthen their hold on fourth spot. It has been a game of narrow margins for Sligo in recent weeks, they were ahead 14-0 in Skerries and had to settle for a draw, a week prior they won by a point at this venue and before that it was a one point loss to Dolphin in Cork. This weekend’s meeting will be a tough one especially losing their last three meetings in the AIL against Corinthians.
Just over 12 months ago the Tribesmen travelled to Sligo and took a win to keep them in the title race, now a year later a similar result would do the exact same thing. Corinthians like last year are a serious threat, five off the leaders if a result went in their favour elsewhere they can close that gap. They would need a bonus point win and points difference to work in their favour however. This will be nothing short of a slog fest between these two.
Wanderers v Skerries, Saturday December 16th, Merrion Road, 2pm
Wanderers are continuing their push for promotion and going about their business quite well Skerries look to end their recent winning streak in this all Dublin meeting.
The Chaps are on for four wins in a row should they defeat the challenge of their Dublin neighbours this weekend. A three point gap to Corinthians and an eight point gap to Instonians they are still in contention, if they can take the win here it would make the difference with results elsewhere this one could be intriguing as to where Wanderers end up on Saturday evening.
Skerries look to end their opponents winning streak, with four between them and the drop zone they cannot afford to drop points as the weeks tick by. In the last two weeks Skerries have out in admirable performances, coming from 14-0 down they drew with Sligo on a blustery day in Holmpatrick before winning 47-28 over Rainey the week prior. Unbeaten in two looking for three, they are out to impress this weekend.
Instonians v Belfast Harlequins, Saturday December 16th, Shaws Bridge, 2:30pm
An all Belfast meeting at Shaw’s Bridge with unbeaten leaders Instonians looking to continue that form against their neighbours Belfast Harlequins.
With their exploits continuing to be that of legendary proportions, Instonians will want to end the year on a high point this weekend. Unbeaten and unfazed for a lot of the campaign, when they have been tested they got out on the winning side and with their home crowd behind them it adds a little bit extra to this spectacle. Recruitment has gone well for Instonians as they have a squad dripping of gold.
Quins come into this game in a precarious position in the standings, just two points clear of the drop zone ahead of Malahide. Since that incredible 30-30 draw with Skerries in November they have lost their last four games. Winless since a round earlier back in October against Dungannon, this is a game very much in the melting pot, not an easy one by any stretch of the imagination.
Malahide v Dolphin, Saturday December 16th, Estuary Road, 2:30pm
Getting clear of the relegation zone is the aim for both Malahide and Dolphin as they meet in Estuary Road.
Looking to end a four game losing streak, Malahide are in a favoured position with a narrow gap separating them from safety. A win vital to that, getting them out of the drop zone ahead of a trip to Leeside in the new year. It has been a tough campaign for the seasiders but if they can get a win here it would be a massive boost and a result to build on going forward.
A bonus point result for Dolphin would not see them leave the drop zones but it would move them ninth and potentially leave them to fate come the new year. Both need Instonians to beat Harlequins but should Dolphin take five points here it would leave one between them and safety ahead of their round ten meeting in Musgrave Park against Malahide in the new year. With one win in their last five they have the same form as Malahide, just for them it’s to end a two game losing streak this weekend.
Rainey Old Boys v Dungannon, Saturday December 16th, Hatrick Park, 2:30pm
Derby day at Hatrick Park, depending on what way you travel 25 miles separates these two sides and just one point in the standings.
After suffering consecutive setbacks in recent weeks, Rainey eight points from the top four look to cut that gap down this weekend. Seasoned campaigners they did have to wait a little longer to face Dungannon last year, both were to meet before Christmas but the weather had other plans. Rainey came out 21-19 winners in the end and would love the same outcome this weekend to end that losing run.
Dungannon meanwhile took just their second win last weekend but a win here would help them cut the gap to Sligo should they be defeated in round nine. Gannon trail by seven points so the haul or four or even five points here would go a long way. Narrowly losing to Corinthians they got over the line last weekend on home soil, heading just down the road this weekend can they get that big result needed to remain in promotion contention.
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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.