Premier League – Preview

After another completely blank Saturday due to rain followed by only 2 completed games on Sunday time is undoubtedly running out for the majority of clubs in the seemingly impossible task of bringing the Premier League programme to a conclusion.  Amazingly a massive 22 matches are still outstanding with only three weekends available before the September 28 deadline – critically for sides such as CSNI, North Down and CIYMS who are in contention at both ends of the table and who have only completed 12 of their scheduled 18 matches.

At least the joint leaders took full advantage of improved weather conditions on Sunday last when cruising to easy victories to remain locked together on 36 points. The fact that these two juggernauts have yet to play each other in the League would add considerable spice to the run in but I fear that the elements will have the final say.

This weekend the action kicks off on Friday when Carrick meet Derriaghy at the Green – the North Down club are to be applauded for such assistance to brethren in need!!  Carrick have slipped down into the relegation zone where their opponents who are without their overseas professional Kausik Aspale and captain Andy Kenny have languished for virtually the entire season. I expect Carrick to clinch their PL status by recording a victory.

Carrick are also at the Green on Saturday – this time to face the reigning champions who will be looking for win number 13 of the campaign.  They humiliated Derriaghy on Saturday with a powerful all round display and must be strong favourites for a repeat.  Derriaghy are at Queensway to greet the other joint leaders CSNI who are still on course for a Cup and League double and are very unlikely to slip up on a ground which is proving totally batsman friendly this season.

Lisburn who are joint third host Bangor at Wallace Park and even without the run machine Gerry Strydom who returned to South Africa last weekend after a magnificent first season should be too good for the Seasiders.

Waringstown also have 32 points and host Instonians at the Lawn. The Villagers have had a disappointing season by their own high standards but should be capable of beating the Old Boys who are in poor form of late.

In yet another eight pointer Cliftonville take on CIYMS in a crucial game for both sides but more pressingly for Cliftonville whose nomadic status has severely handicapped them all season and who face the glaring prospect of cricket in a lower division next season. With only 8 points on the board and only 3 games to play their situation is dire.

Four games are down for decision on Sunday with the joint leaders both in action.  The Stormont side make the short trip to Shaw’s Bridge to play Instonians while North Down host Cliftonville at the Green – the 3rd game in the PL at this venue on successive days.

At the risk of repeating previous text I do not envisage any alteration to the top of the table come Sunday evening.  Also on Sunday CIYMS and Carrick clash at Belmont with both sides hovering around the drop zone and needing points while Derriaghy complete a busy weekend at Queensway where Bangor are the visitors.