Craig Doyle getting Waterpark on the move.
Both teams will lock horns in the promotion/relegation play-off at Ballinakill on Saturday afternoon next, with the game scheduled for a 2:30pm kick-off.
Monivea, which is actually located a matter of fields from Athenry (well, six miles to be precise), is according to one online guide, noted for the width of its main street.
After Saturday next, Waterpark will hope that’s all the area is still known for, given that Monivea aim to become the first Connacht club to gain AIL status since Connemara back in 2001.
Park, who saw off City of Derry in the final game of the regulation season to ensure a play-off spot, will aim to make home advantage count this Saturday.
Meanwhile Monivea, who defeated Cashel and Cill Dara en route to this fixture, cannot be taken lightly.
In recent seasons, Cashel have made enormous strides in J1 rugby so the Galway XV’s achievement in winning away to the Tipp men on March 29th will have been noted in Ballinakill.
That they also rallied so well in the final minutes of their clash with Cill Dara, reversing a late deficit to take the spoils indicates that they are not a side easily shaken off.
Park coach Gerry Walsh will be looking for more of the same discipline that served the team so well during that incredibly tense second half against City of Derry.
“All of our underage teams are doing well,” said Walsh in the aftermath of the victory over City of Derry.
“Bring on the play-off and let’s get the job finished.”
With the club performing so well at underage levels in recent seasons, and with the academy system now up and running, it’s vital that Waterpark retains its Division Three status.
The club hopes that as many Park fans as possible get to Ballinakill on Saturday and get behind the home side in their bid to maintain AIL rugby in the region.
On the silverware front, Waterpark Ladies face Ballincollig in the AIL Division Two League final in Nenagh this Saturday.
Both sides have already enjoyed two excellent tussles this season, both emerging with a win apiece to date. Something’s gotta give in North Tipp this weekend!
