Weston and Avoca dice with destiny

Following a season of upheaval and a fantastically tight battle for league honours, men’s division two reaches climax on Saturday afternoon as Weston and Avoca remain hopeful of securing a place in division one.

Weston have been a club rejuvenated under Alan Browne this season, galvanising some of the elder heads while providing the young charges like Simon Pearson and Phil Baron with a new level of coaching.

The arrival of Brian Scully and return of Enda Tucker from Glenanne brought extra, top-tier experience to leave the Lucan side on the brink of promotion.

Standing in their way is a Suttonians side who held sway for long periods but a glut of post-Christmas fixtures, including their epic Irish Hockey Trophy run, eventually took their toll and fell away.

Nonetheless, should they end a positive season on a high and take all three points, they could open the door for Avoca to earn a title play-off.

The Blackrock side, in Mark Cullen’s debut season at the helm, must win against Bray at home – a feat they failed to do in February – to have any hope.

Stephen Brownlow has led the scoring way in the division with his lethal drag-flicks while the extra threat comes from birthday boy William Aylmer and the experienced Ezra Handelman in midfield.

Keeping Simon Cox under wraps will be crucial while Phil Davis’ corner threat is also a factor. Avoca have added motivation after the flip-flopping over the award of the points for this fixture and, with the Garden County side with solely league pride to play for, but, as a forerunner to the Neville Davin, cup final places are up for grabs .

Division Two:
Suttonians vs Weston, 1pm, Sutton Park; Avoca vs Bray, 2pm, Newpark