Bea Review

Hi Guys/Gals. The almost halfway point is reached with Blanchardstown deservedly top of the table. Pre season favourites Dublin University are one point behind after a demolition of Drogheda last time round. One thing can be clearly deduced …the University Bods did not expect to be chasing anyone this season, and the plan is to keep in front of them. Inchicore are in 3rd place, remarkably so after losing their first game, and they face a testing 2nd half. Aer Lingus are just behind them, and with Peter Coneely scoring 5/5, they could yet have an influence on the promotion race. Phibsboro have surprised many with 5th place, but facing the top four is their end of season finale, and they’ll need to be sure of getting more points before then. Drogheda’s promotion push came spectacularly unstuck. Pat Scanlan and his team will spend the Festive break considering whether to aim for a higher placing or to blood new players in readiness for next season. They are still a match for most teams and will contest every board. Dublin & Portmarnock have been inconsistent, and with a less than demanding fixture list, both teams will look to climb the table at the expense of the lower teams. Finglas have been the first to make a dash for safety with a draw at the Curragh, and having played the top 3, look well placed to push on. The Curragh have been highly innovative with their games technology, but need more points as only 1 point separates the lower 3 teams. Celbridge have struggled all season, and with their final match being against the bottom side, it could be Arrivederchi or all to play for. Normally, the bottom side at this point need a superhuman performance to remain up, but Naomh Barrog have played all but one of the top six so far, and it can be said that they truly are Captain’s of their own fate. It’s certainly going to be interesting. Prediction time….well does anyone really think I’m going to vote against our own team?…..not a chance!   However, I do  predict that the University will pip Aer Lingus for the 2nd promotion spot. Falling through the trapdoor, my picks are the Curragh and Celbridge….but as the Drogheda guys will tell you….I didn’t think they’d lose 0-5 to DU either. Have a happy Christmas everyone.