Although only a quarter of the fixtures down for decision were actually completed last weekend those which were concluded had a major impact at both ends of the table.

CSNI’s triumph at the Lawn over an under strength home side enabled the Stormont side to draw level with North Down on 36 points as the reigning champions  failed to cope with the loss of players to Team Ireland when going down to Lisburn at Wallace Park. At the other end of the table Derriaghy edged home against fellow strugglers Cliftonville thus easing considerably the Queensway side’s relegation worries.

This Saturday champions North Down face a serious examination of their title aspirations when they travel to Shaw’s Bridge to take on Instonians who are without the injured Andrew White. The Comber side will be at full strength with the return of their international players and will be anxious to regain winning form. Joint leaders CSNI face Cliftonville at Stormont and also welcome back new Ireland cap Regan West along with Allen Coulter. With the Challenge Cup already in safe keeping at the Maynard Sinclair pavilion the prospects of a Cup and League double loom large for the home side and they should be far too strong for their opponents whose Premier League status is looking decidedly uncertain. Another crucial encounter in the relegation zone takes place at Queensway where CIYMS are the visitors in an “eight pointer”. The home side enhanced their survival prospects considerably last Sunday with a nail biting victory over Cliftonville and this encounter should be both tense and closely fought. Buoyed by their excellent win over high flyers North Down on Monday Lisburn who are in third place on 28 points travel to Carrick with very good prospects of chalking up their 8th victory of the season. Finally Waringstown, at full strength with the return of their Irish trio, entertain Bangor at the Lawn. The visitors had a good win over Instonians last time out and will be looking to maintain 4th spot with a victory.

On Sunday the joint leaders North Down and CSNI clash at the Green in what promises to be a titanic struggle with a massive impact on the final destination of the League trophy. Certainly victory for either of these hugely talented sides at this stage of an extraordinary season will have a major bearing on both League standings and the final outcome of the championship. Both sides will be at full strength and the stage is set for an intriguing contest which is too close to call.
Also on Sunday Bangor host Carrick at Uprichard Park knowing that two wins over the weekend would elevate their promising young team to 3rd place.

In conclusion this week may I add my congratulations to Kyle McCallan on a fantastic achievement of 200 caps for Ireland – well done Kyle!!