The drama, twists and turns of the campaign have all led to this.
In the Northeast six have become four in the title race whilst four became two in the fight for survival. For some, it’s now or never.
Title Chasers
Four weeks on from our last round-up and we’re still absolutely no clearer on who will take the crown in the North-East title battle.
Last weekend saw perhaps the biggest game of the season at the top when Brickfield faced Llanuwchllyn. Both sides have three games in hand over thoseabove them in the likes of Dolgellau, Bow Street, and Builth Wells and knew winning them would send themselves top.
It was Llanuwchllyn who came out victorious but remained fifth but seven points off the top spot. Brickfield, who could have risen to the top three with a win, sit fourth and five points adrift. However, both have three crucial games in hand and could well be considered favourites for the top two.
Dolgellau and Bow Street are battling it out at the top – Image: Dolgellau AAA
The top spot is currently occupied by Dolgellau who had to battle it out big style down in Kerry last weekend to remain top of the pile. They’ll need to focus on their final five games which include games against both Llanuwchllyn and Brickfield. Bow Street sit a point behind the leaders and won’t have given up hope just yet whilst the title dream is over for Builth Wells who, with one game remaining, are out of reach of top spot. Builth could shape the title race still though, with Brickfield travelling to Lant Fields this weekend.
Play-Off Hopefuls
Much like a month ago, who knows when it comes to the playoffs? The field has narrowed somewhat, with the likes of Kerry and Builth Wells officially out of the race. Dolgellau, Bow Street, Brickfield and Llanuwchllyn are those battling it out but with Bow Street not applying for the second tier, that playoff spot could go to those in third should they finish as runners-up. Meaning, no matter what, it’s going down to the wire.
In a campaign full of action the picture when it comes to the North-West has become much clearer.
Unlike in the East, the chasing packs at the top and bottom have thinned out, but there’s still time for a shock or two.
Title Chasers
The last time we took a look at the title picture Rhyl needed 13 points to secure the honours. Now, it’s just four and they could win it this weekend. Porthmadog sit 12 points adrift of the Lilywhites after a shock 3-0 loss at Corwen last weekend. In fact, a win for the Rhyl means the only sides who can catch them are Porthmadog in second and Llannefydd, all the way down in 7th but with eight games left to play. Should Llannefydd win all of their games until the end of the season, they’ll finish on 65 points, three ahead of Rhyl’s current total of 62. Llannefydd to mount a surprise challenge?
Rhyl lost their first game since October at the weekend when they fell to a dramatic 3-4 defeat at home to Holyhead. But it would take a spectacular implosion to lose to Treaddur Bay, Porthmadog and Llanrwst before their final-day showdown with…Llannefydd. But it’ll be a massive ask for the latter who play eight games in the space of less than four weeks.
The reality of the situation is Rhyl could wrap up the title on Saturday if:
- Rhyl win
- Porthmadog fail to win
- Holyhead fail to win
- Llannefydd fail to win
race for the title, with Dolgellau, Brickfield Rangers, Llanuwchllyn and Bow Street the main contenders and to make it more interesting they all still have to play each other.
