It’s Win or Bust for Old Crescent

Old Crescent hold pole position, thanks principally to their 18-3 win over Bohs in Rosbrien a fortnight ago. Now they travel to Leixlip and a clash with Barnhall, a side who have risen from the Junior ranks in impressive fashion. And Crescent can expect a massive crowd to greet them when they hit the pitch in Parsonstown. They’ll know that a win will send them back to Division One just twelve months after they were relegated but Barnhall are also in with a shout of the top echelon.

The Trevor Brennan inspired side need to win and gain maximum points and then hold their breath until the result comes in from Thomond Park where UL Bohemians entertain Midleton. Barnhall lost in Midleton last week and that defeat rankles particularly after they’d lowered the colours of High-flying Belfast Harlequins. So Crescent will have noted that result rather than the one from Towns Park and they’ll know that in their own back yard Barnhall are a difficult side to beat.

At the bottom of the table, northern clubs will decide the fate of Dolphin and Wanderers. Dolphin head north to Portadown knowing that defeat could see them relegated if Wanderers were to gain maximum points from their home game with Malone. The very least the Cork side need is a bonus point.

(All kick-offs, 2.30pm). Barnhall v Old Crescent – Parsonstown. City of Derry v Ballynahinch – Judge’s Road. Portadown v Dolphin – Chambers Park. Sunday’s Well v Belfast Harlequins – Musgrave Park. Thomond v Old Belvedere – Liam Fitzgerald Park. UCC v Bective Rangers – The Mardyke. UL Bohemians v Midleton – Thomond Park. Wanderers v Malone – Merrion Road.