Gardians and Galway both have chances to wrap up the Men’s and Women’s Division One titles this weekend.
Gardians lead the Men’s pack by 2pts from Munster Thunder, but importantly have two chances to win as they entertain both Tallaght Rockets and bottom side Kilkenny Spartans this weekend. Third place Rockets also have 2 matches, but may have one eye on the Association Shield Final on May 5th. If the Rockets win their first game with Munster Thunder they’ll have a shot at the all important second place and playoff match.
At the bottom of the table Spartans are already relegated but there’s a battle to avoid the play-off with Gardians Masters taking on Balbriggan. Masters need a 3-0 or 3-1 win.
Santry Sparks’ 3-2 win over leaders Galway last weekend has kept D1 Women alive. Galway travel to Ballymun knowing a win is enough to guarantee Premier Division action next season. A 3-0/3-1 defeat for the westerners opens the door for Sparks who currently trail by 2 pts. It could be a double weekend for them in May as they take on DVC Lions in the Shield.
At the bottom of D1W Naas are down, whilst Tallaght Rockets enter the play-off. They’ll play the dominant SETU Carlow or Santry Nova who fight for the overall D2 title next weekend. The experienced Aer Lingus Kestrels do still have a chance of making that decider but would require an upset in Artane.
Both the Men’s D2 title races are going down to a 3-way wire with Balbriggan Broncos, Ballymun Patriots Dogs and Carrick Crows all on 28pts in the North – although the Crows have now completed their schedule. The winner of that will take on either Medusa or Kildare VC, who likewise are tied on 28. The winners of each D2 league play for promotion next weekend, whilst the losers drop into the playoff on Finals Weekend.
Santry Calypso and UCD have been completely dominant in the Premier Divisions, with Calypso unbeaten in all matches so far. UCD have completed four successive titles – congratulations to them both. Relegation is confirmed for Balbriggan Women, whilst Net Force Men have an outside chance of survival. If Net Force do stay up, Galway are down. Trinity could end up in the playoff match if results don’t go their way.
Tallaght Rockets compete in the Play-off. Apart from the top and bottom teams, the rest of the Women’s Premier has been incredibly tight – only 2pts separate 3rd and 3rd bottom.
