Wanderers stand firm

The clearest indication yet that Wanderers are about to pay the ultimate price for the cancellation of their concluding AIL Division Two game against Buccaneers (namely the forfeiture of both points) came, ironically, from the club itself yesterday.

With an announcement expected today from the IRFU regarding this affair, Wanderers yesterday issued a brief statement which reads rather like a face-saving, pre-emptive strike.

"Following recent reports regarding the postponement of the AIB League match against Buccaneers, Wanderers Football Club is happy to clarify its position at this time."

"In the last week, Wanderers Football Club has met with a working party sub-committee of the IRFU and considered it inappropriate to comment on this issue until now.

"The reputation and standing of Wanderers Football Club has been damaged through inaccurate and speculative reports generated by this issue.

"We wish to state that Wanderers Football Club took a responsible and appropriate course of action relating to this fixture and firmly stands over its decision."

Given the Union are expected to reveal their decision today, this strongly suggests Wanderers have already been notified of the verdict for procedural reasons, and that the message has not been a good one for the club.

In keeping with regulation 6 (i) for the AIB League 1997/98 season under the heading "Postponements, rearrangements, fitness of ground", Wanderers could "be liable to forfeit both points plus one extra league point."

Regardless of the additional point, this would mean that Wanderers remain third from bottom in the second division and so be relegated to division three where, amongst others, they will be playing Richmond, a junior club two years ago. Malone would thus play Ballynahinch in a play-off, with Bective Rangers remaining in division three.

The 10th Heineken Kinsale Sevens will be held over the May bank Holiday weekend (Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd) and those seeking full entry details should contact Philip Stokes, c/o Stokes Clocks, 48 MacCurtain Street, Cork. Tel: (021) 551195 or fax: (021) 509125.