MCU Division 1 League: Championship Group Deciders
As the initial stage of the MCU Division 1 league draws to a close, we’re in for a gripping conclusion with no fewer than five teams in the hunt for the remaining ‘Championship Group’ spots. There will be four matches down for decision on Saturday 19th July, all bar one of which will have a direct impact on which teams reach the Championship Group and which are consigned to the Relegation Group. The fixtures are as follows:
Fixtures
- UCC 1 v Limerick 2
- Clare 1 v Cork Harlequins 2
- County Kerry 2 v Nenagh 1
- Midleton 1 v Cork County 2
Team-by-Team Preview
With so many possible permutations, a team-by-team preview is the easiest way to show what will be required of each of the competing clubs.
Cork County 2
The current league leaders on 77.3% have suffered just one defeat so far this season and are assured of their place in the Championship Group. They travel to fellow high flyers Midleton 1 in what is the only fixture which won’t have a direct impact on the remaining Championship group positions.
Midleton 1
The East Cork side dropped down from the Premier Division at the conclusion of 2024 and have enjoyed a fruitful return to the lower level, losing just once so far and reaching the end of the initial stage of the season at 76.0%. They will be looking to continue their good form with a win at home to Cork County but, regardless of result, they have earned a place in the Championship Group for the remainder of the season.
Clare 1
Despite three defeats in their seven games thus far, Clare have also claimed four victories and an impressive bonus points haul, propelling them to 57.8% and third spot in the table at present. They will host Cork Harlequins 2 at Ballycasey Oval and will be aware that a win by any margin would be enough for them to maintain their top five position. The Shannonsiders would also progress if any of the other sides currently occupying the mid-table positions were to lose but they will be keen to do the job themselves at the weekend.
Nenagh 1
Nenagh currently reside in fourth position in the league table but just three percentage points separate them from sixth place UCC 1 and they will want to ensure they remain on the right side of the line when it comes to the split. They travel to face County Kerry 2 at the Oyster Oval, a challenge they won’t underestimate despite their opponents lowly league position. A win in the Kingdom should be enough for Nenagh but with margins so tight, bonus points may well come into the equation.
Cork Harlequins 2
Quins travel to Clare in a very similar position to their opponents – a win would be sufficient to retain or improve on their present position in the table and claim a place in the Championship Group. However, as a result of three rain-offs thus far this season, they have not had the opportunity to gain as many bonus points as other sides and that may prove their undoing if other results don’t go their way.
UCC 1
After a positive start to the season, UCC have encountered mid-season challenges in suffering large defeats to Clare and Nenagh. These results have pushed the College side down to fifth in the table and they face a tricky tie against Limerick at Curraheen on Saturday. Victory in that game would, in all likelihood, confirm a Championship Group place for the home side. Defeat may not necessarily be fatal for their chances but UCC would be reliant on a combination of other results in that circumstance.
Limerick Blasters 1
The Crokers Oval based side are the only team in this division who will not be in action at the weekend. They completed their league programme earlier in July and their four defeats in that stage mean the Relegation Group awaits for the remainder of the season.
Limerick 2
Limerick currently occupy eighth position in the league standings with 29.6% and face a tough challenge to reach the Championship Group. They will need to defeat UCC at Curraheen and hope for an unlikely combination of losses for competitors elsewhere to force their way into contention.
County Kerry 2
County Kerry 2 suffered early season defeats and never really recovered, resulting in 22.4% and the wooden spoon in the initial stage of the Division 1 season. They will host Nenagh 1 at the Oyster Oval seeking just the second win of their campaign but their place in the Relegation Group has already been confirmed.
