An already congested fixture schedule is set to get more congested for three teams after a playoff was called for in ACFL Division 3.
As has been the case for the last number of years, Divisions 1, 2 and 3 split into a top four and bottom four following the round robin phase.
The sides in the top four play again with the top two advancing to the final while those in the bottom battle to survive with the bottom two relegated.
Those phases are getting underway this week – but not in the case of Division 3 in full.
That is because Kilcavan, Ballyroan-Abbey and Clonaslee-St Manman’s all finished level on eight points.
This happened after Ballyroan-Abbey defeated Crettyard by 2-9 to 0-11 and Clonaslee-St Manman’s saw off Kilcavan by 2-10 to 1-7 on Sunday.
Ordinarily, points difference would be used to determine who would finish in the top four and which team would be fifth.
However, as Clonaslee-St Manman’s gave a walkover to Ballyroan-Abbey – this caused a complication.
Originally, it was understood that a new rule brought through in Congress would be used to separate the teams.
This states that: “‘Average Score For’ and ‘Average Score Against’ achieved in games played (in Head-to-Head or All the Group, as applicable) shall be added to its ‘Score For’ and ‘Scores Against’ totals.
“Team Against whom Game was Awarded shall have zero added to its ‘Score For’.
“Its ‘Average Score Against’ conceded in games played (in Head-to-Head or All Group, as applicable) shall be added to its ‘Score Against’ total.”
Using that rule, Ballyroan-Abbey and Kilcavan were originally deemed to have finished in the top four with Clonaslee-St Manman’s fifth.
However, it was subsequently decided that this rule applies for championship only as it was brought in after Congress which was after the leagues had started.
It is understood that the view was taken that the competition rules could not change after it had started.
This is a similar enough situation to what occurred in Division 1 of the hurling league last year.
As a result, Ballyroan-Abbey will host Kilcavan on Sunday at 11am in the first playoff game.
The winner will join St Joseph’s and Arles-Kilcruise in the winner’s section of the competition.
The loser is due to be in action again on Wednesday where they will play Clonaslee-St Manman’s in the second playoff game.
Once again, the winner here goes to the winner’s section while the losers will join Ballylinan, Timahoe and Crettyard in the relegation section.
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