Railway Union and Blackrock meet in a huge top of the table clash this weekend, while Wicklow and UL Bohemians look to stake a claim for fourth spot in the table.
Railway Union V Blackrock College, Sat November 12th, Park Avenue, 3pm
The game of the weekend in the division pits the two unbeaten teams at the summit against each other, which team will remain unbeaten come the last weekend.
Union got over the line against Belvedere last week to keep their unbeaten run alive, in similar fashion to their opponents this weekend, it took a strong second half performance to give them the win. Now a huge test against Blackrock, a draw would leave it interesting to see who finishes top, but this game will be highly exciting.
Blackrock put up a heavy toll on Ballincollig last weekend in a 71-7 win they now look to continue their form and get another win on the bounce, both are high scoring and both have a great defensive record, it is hard to tell who will win here.
Suttonians V Ballincollig, Sat November 12th, JJ McDowell Memorial Grounds, 3:30pm
Ballincollig will look to end the season with a win as they travel to meet a Suttonians side who are also on a losing streak of late.
Suttonians have failed to take points since their re-fixed meeting with Cooke at the end of September, since then they have struggled to test the sides they have faced and occupy seventh in the table, a win this weekend would give them a positive outlook going into the final weekend next week.
The Cork outfit are yet to win a game this year it looked like they would beat Wicklow back in October, but had to share the spoils in their only points haul this season, both out of form but evenly matched, another game with no clear favourite but a tie that matters to both teams.
Cooke V UL Bohemian, Sat November 12th, Shaw’s Bridge, 5pm
It is a big final two weeks as far as UL Bohemians are concerned as they can enter the top four at Wicklow’s expense should they beat bottom placed Cooke.
Cooke have struggled all year and may get the wooden spoon as they have no points on the table this season, taking on UL they face a resurgence from them and a loss looks on the cards unless they can limit the scoring for UL and get the scoreboard in their favour something that has been limited this season.
With Galwegians not playing this weekend, UL Bohs could make it a final day push for the fourth spot in the table if they can get the result and hope Wicklow falter this weekend, a win moves them four clear of Galwegian and one of Wicklow if they lose, bonus point win adds an extra digit to that.
Old Belvedere V Wicklow RFC, Sat November 12th, Ollie Campbell Park, 5pm
Belvedere will hope to end their season with a win ahead of the post Christmas fixtures, as they meet Wicklow,
Belvedere will finish third at the minimum this year as both Railway Union and Blackrock have a tie next weekend, but look a strong side going into the next stage of the competition, They look to end the year with a win to keep confidence up.
For Wicklow the last two weekends will really test their ability if they want to be a top four side this year, three clear but Belvo this weekend and a home tie with Union next weekend, could well see them finish outside unless they can get the result, worse case scenario this weekend is UL going two clear ahead of the last day, it would see a dramatic conclusion to the season.
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.