The final weekend of fixtures ahead of the semi final is among us and the race for a Top 4 finish is still wide open in Division 2B of the Energia All Ireland League.
Galway Corinthians face a tough task away to Blackrock College and will need to better Wanderers’ result if they’re dreams of promotion are to be fulfilled.
Wanderers v Sligo, Merrion Road, Saturday 9th April, 2:30pm
The Chaps know that nothing less than a win will secure their top 4 faith but even if they emerge victorious this weekend, they still need Galway Corinthians to drop points against Blackrock College. Wanderers beat Galwegians last weekend to bring them within two points of Corinthians in fourth. Sligo got back to winning ways to beat Dungannon last time out after a poor run of form.
Malahide v Belfast Harlequins, Estuary Road, Saturday 9th April, 2:30pm.
Malahide will be eager to end their campaign on a high after last week’s 83-0 defeat to league leaders Greystones. Belfast Harlequins’ place in the Top 4 is all but confirmed and might send an understrength team to Dublin this weekend but do still need a win to try and find home advantage for the semi final. Quins overcame Galway Corinthians by a score of 20-10 last weekend.
Galway Corinthians v Blackrock College, Corinthian Park, Saturday 9th April, 2:30pm.
The tie of the weekend comes in Galway with Corinthians needing a result to guarantee their Top 4 status. Blackrock College will be looking to guarantee a home semi-final against Belfast Harlequins and end their league campaign on a high. Corinthians fell to a disappointing loss away to Belfast Harlequins last weekend which saw them drop from second place to fourth while Blackrock College overcame Ballina.
Dungannon v Greystones, Stevenson Park, Saturday 9th April, 2:30pm.
Greystones guaranteed home advantage ahead of their semi final campaign after a massive win over Malahide last week. Paul Lennon’s side were runaway leaders at the halfway point of the season but fell to a number of defeats towards the back end of the season. Dungannon were defeated by Sligo last weekend after leading for the majority of the game.
Ballina v Galwegians, Heffernan Park, Saturday 9th April, 2:30pm.
It’s a rehearsal before the relegation play off in a fortnight’s time as Ballina host Galwegians. Both sides have struggled throughout the campaign but still have plenty to play for ahead of the relegation play off. Both sides fell to defeats last weekend and have won just two games so far this season.
Luke Delaney
Luke is a final year Journalism student in DCU. He is a Sports Reporter for Wicklow People Sport and FinalWhistle.ie.