Portlaoise and Roscrea set for winner-takes-all clash in Togher

It’s all on the line in Togher this Sunday as Portlaoise take on Roscrea for promotion to Division 2A in the Leinster League next season.

Portlaoise have enjoyed an impressive league campaign, losing only once, ironically, on the very first day of the season to Roscrea. Meanwhile, Roscrea have won every game so far.

After Portlaoise beat Portarlington four weeks ago, it became clear that promotion would be decided on the final day in a head-to-head clash between Portlaoise and Roscrea. Previously, the losing team would have had another chance through a playoff against the second-to-last team in Division 2A.

But that option has disappeared. Malahide will be relegated from the AIL and take the place of Wexford Wanderers in Leinster League Division 1A, meaning there will likely be no playoffs, unless the Division 1A winner goes on to win the national round-robin playoff and earns promotion to the AIL. This is extremely unlikely; it’s rare for a team from a province with a relegated AIL side to see a team promoted from the round-robin in the same season.

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The club has called on all supporters to turn out and make Togher a fortress. As the club put it: "After a long season, it all comes down to one game in Togher. The players have done their part all year, now it’s time for Portlaoise supporters to make their presence felt.”

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The bottom line: if Portlaoise want to play Division 2 rugby next season, they must beat Roscrea this Sunday. Kick-off is at 3pm.