Cricket: If anyone is going to stop reigning champions North County from winning another WMK League title, they need to get a move on. The leaders are 19 points clear at the top and have a game in hand over second-placed Malahide.

The only other side with a chance of lifting the trophy this year are Clontarf, who play twice this weekend. They will feel that anything short of two victories will wave their hopes goodbye.

The big one is today in Inch as Tarf play North County. The last time the Castle Avenue side played at the Balrothery ground they lost to The Hills in the Conqueror Senior Cup final, so this will be seen as a chance to exorcise those demons.

On paper these are the two strongest sides in the league and both welcome back their various internationals following successful duty in Aberdeen last weekend.

There is a doubt over Ian Synnott, who is struggling with a wrist injury, and Andrew Cullen is unavailable owing to study commitments.

But if any side is going to make North County struggle it's Clontarf with Trent Johnston, Jeremy Bray, Dom Rigby, Alex Cusack, Greg Molins and others all capable of making a big impact.

But North County are unbeaten in the league this year and will go into this match as undoubted favourites, particularly as Clontarf have been somewhat off the boil of late.

Malahide will also need to keep the pressure on County by beating CYM in Terenure. While Munster look likely to be playing Section B cricket next year, particularly if they lose to Phoenix in the Mardyke today, CY will still feel they have a good chance of staying up so there is plenty to play for.

With The Hills losing last weekend, Section B has opened up and the top four can retain reasonable hope of promotion come September. Pembroke probably have the toughest encounter as they host The Hills.

Railway Union should have the beating of Merrion in Park Avenue today and then must face YMCA tomorrow, whose double weekend begins today with a trip to Cabra to take on Old Belvedere.

Essex turned up the heat in the English County Championship Division Two promotion race with a five-wicket win over Derbyshire that lifted them to second place with the help of a century from Andy Flower.

WMK LEAGUE

Section A

P W NR L BP Pts

North County 7 6 1 0 28 156

Malahide 8 6 0 2 17 137

Clontarf 6 4 0 2 14 94

Phoenix 8 3 0 5 18 78

Rush 6 2 1 3 11 59

CYM 8 2 0 6 18 58

Munster Reds 5 0 0 5 9 9

Section B

P W NR L BP Pts

The Hills 8 7 0 1 15 155

YMCA 8 6 0 2 26 146

Railway Union 7 6 0 1 23 143

Pembroke 8 4 0 4 23 103

Leinster 10 3 0 7 16 76

Merrion 6 2 0 4 19 59

Old Belvedere 9 0 0 9 18 18