Ulster Bank League: Promotions And Play-Offs In Division 1
This Saturday sees the final round of regulation matches in Division 1A and 1B of the Ulster Bank League. Only Cork Constitution and Clontarf have nailed down their play-off spots. Elsewhere, there is promotion, play-offs and possible relegation at stake.
Starting with the potential Division 1 semi-finalists, there is a huge game in prospect between Old Belvedere and St. Mary’s College at Anglesea Road.
Have ‘Belvo, for so long a certainty, come undone? A draw against Dolphin and a loss to Garryowen in their last two games mean they face into Saturday needing a win to ensure a home semi-final.
They play a St. Mary’s side that lost 22-0 to table toppers Cork Constitution last time out, but who can still clinch a play-off and home advantage if they win this game.
St. Mary’s need a bonus point and to win by 9 points or more to snap up second place in the table and avoid Cork Con in the semis.
A glance over the shoulder shows that Young Munster are ready to pounce and take third place if Old Belvedere beat their Dublin rivals.
The Cookies are at home to Garryowen who are desperate to avoid the promotion/relegation play-off clash with the third-placed team in Division 1B.
That brings us neatly to the fight for that slot, or rather second place and promotion from Division 1B.
Buccaneers have lost their last four games including back-to-back losses to Bateman All-Ireland Cup finalists Dungannon.
Buccs have gone from vying with Clontarf for top spot to a situation where they could miss out on any promotion shot.
On Saturday, the Pirates travel to Dublin to face a buoyant Lansdowne on the back pitch at the Aviva Stadium. The winners will gain promotion, while the losers could well be staying put in Division 1B if results elsewhere go against them.
The key result is of course from the game at Crowley Park where UL Bohemians will be aiming for a big win over Galwegians.
A victory of any colour puts them in the frame for a promotion/relegation play-off – potentially against one of their Limerick neighbours, depending on how Shannon or Garryowen fare on the final day in Division 1A.
Dungannon could also be in with a shout but it would require a big points swing in a couple of games.
All pretty straightforward really…
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 1 SEMI-FINALS:
Cork Constitution v 3rd in Division 1A
2nd in Division 1A v Clontarf
Two teams are automatically promoted from Division 1B, while the team finishing third faces a play-off against the team finishing last in Division 1A. This brings Division 1A to a ten-team league for next season.