Section One

23 August

Bangor v CIYMS
Bangor look comfortable in the league and may not have much to play for. CIYMS on the other hand need all the wins they can. Desire is one thing that teams need and with the sustained break due to weather conditions, in many ways it’s like being back at the start of the season.   

CIYMS WIN

Instonians v Lisburn
Relegation dogfight. Lisburn’s loss to North Down leaves them in a must win situation. Inst have been in that position all season. At home Inst have managed some better performances, perhaps the lake at Shaws Bridge might come to their aid in a low scoring affair.    

INST WIN

North Down v Ballymena
Both North Down and Ballymena are comfortable, but not yet mathematically safe. A win would almost put the issue beyond doubt however. A win for the home team should be on the cards.  

NORTH DOWN WIN

Woodvale v Derriaghy
Woodvale are a long way behind Waringstown and may feel the game is up. Derriaghy are looking below themselves to see if they can pull away from the pack.

WOODVALE WIN

Section Two

23 August

Carrickfergus v Cooke Collegians
Carrick are close on the leaders CSNI’s tail. They will really fancy hosting the languishing Cooke Collegians. Cooke need wins and fast. Not a place to go to find them usually though!  

CARRICK WIN

CSNI v Downpatrick
League leaders host Downpatrick only one win away from the drop zone. A match with lots riding on it. Downpatrick firsts struggling must have an impact on the seconds too and there should be enough in CSNI’S locker to pull off the expected win.   

CSNI WIN

Holywood v Armagh
Holywood sit one win ahead of Armagh, and Armagh one win above the drop zone. Armagh have more to play for, but Holywood will not lie down for any team. A close match in prospect.   

HOLYWOOD WIN

Larne v Cliftonville
A relegation dogfight with neither team wanting to lose and hand the other a one match lead. Larne at home are a hard place to go, but Cliftonville won’t be scared of travelling, not this season!   

LARNE WIN

Muckamore v Laurelvale
The cup final that never was! Muckamore should be more relaxed than in cup final mode and should see off a Laurelvale side that thrive on the pressure that the cup puts onto teams expected to beat them.  

MUCKAMORE WIN

Section Three

23 August

Dundrum v Ards
A difficult one to call. Ards should be favourites, but only if cricket goes ahead in the swimming pool at Dundrum.   

ARDS WIN

Dungannon v Saintfield
Easy victory for Saintfield.  

SAINTFIELD WIN

Donacloney v Templepatrick
The ‘Cloney may have too much if the Martin boys are playing, closer if they aren’t.

DONACLONEY WIN

Donaghadee v Academy
A match that promises a good contest but ultimately one that Academy will prevail in.

ACADEMY WIN

Victoria v Cregagh
Cregagh managed a win by walkover last Sunday! Dungannon not travelling to Daddy Winkers Lane. Wouldn’t have fancied the wicket if they had turned up! Cregagh will travel to Lurgan knowing a win will all but ensure promotion. 

CREGAGH WIN