We look forward to the first weekend of the season at Anglesea Road with both the 3rd and 4th XI in action. But first we report on a very youthful looking 2nd XI who take on Clontarf in Castle Avenue on Sunday. With last week’s match in Rathmines called off due to the ground not being ready this must count as a difficult first assignment for the 2nds, up against last year’s champions. But Clontarf has not started well, losing to Railway last weekend.
There is an early 12.00 start at Anglesea Road on Saturday as the 3rd XI take on Wexford in Division 4. At the end of last season the 3rd XI were ranked 27th in the Open Competitions, against Wexford’s 35th. But so early in the season and with many personnel changes this means little.
The 4th XI has a double weekend. Starting away to Tyrrelstown on Saturday. Tyrrelstown were runners up in Division 8 last season and are a rising club. This will be a difficult match for the 4ths. Home advantage the following day against Phoenix 3rds may give Merrion an edge over a team that finished several places higher than Merrion 4ths last season.
Finally, the 7ths will be looking to secure a second win of the season following their victory over Castleknock 4th XI last week. This time they take on Sandyford 4th XI, like them a new team in the league this year.