Cricket preview: With North County losing by five wickets to Rush on Thursday, Section A of the WM League has been thrown open again with Clontarf being given the chance to close in on their north Dublin rivals.

Clontarf lie 29 points behind County having played one match fewer so full points in their game in hand would put them just four points adrift. County play The Hills at Milverton today while Clontarf must wait until tomorrow when they will take on Malahide away. At the moment it looks like a two-horse race at the top unless Rush can make a late charge but it is also interesting at the bottom with Phoenix, Malahide, YMCA and The Hills all fighting to avoid the two relegation places.

At present, it looks like Phoenix and Malahide are the most likely contenders but if the Village beat YM today, it would put pressure on the Claremont Road outfit. In a remarkable finish the last time these two met, YM's Stewart Taylor hit a six to win off the last ball, so Malahide will be out for revenge today.

In Section B, Railway Union are well ahead and look bound for Section A next season, having won eight from eight. They can tie it all up this weekend if they beat Old Belvedere at Park Avenue today and Merrion at Anglesea Road tomorrow.

The second promotion spot looks likely to go to the Merrion lads with only Leinster in position to challenge.

Munster Reds, Pembroke, CYM and Belvedere must already brace themselves for another year in the second flight.