While this weekend’s clash at Hamilton Park will not see league champion’s crowned, it will go a long, long way to deciding the fate of this season’s Connacht JL1 league title. Table-toppers Sligo welcome Monivea, the dominant club in Connacht junior rugby in recent seasons, to Strandhill in what promises to be a titanic encounter. A packed crowd is expected as these two powerhouses of Connacht junior rugby do battle.

Sligo sit atop the JL1 table, unbeaten, a 0-0 draw away to Westport the only blemish on an otherwise faultless season. Eight wins and one draw, as their watertight defence and strong pack achieved result after result if not always with a spectacular performance. Monivea are joint second, only five points behind, and the Galwaymen have a game in hand but their season rests on this encounter. Monivea made a slow start to this season’s campaign and suffered a shock defeat early on to Castlebar, however since that result they have grinded out the results culminating in a superb 13-0 victory over a much-vaunted Corinthians side. They are a side that knows how to win, as proven by their numerous league titles in recent years. With players of the calibre of flanker Eoin Rooney, winger Ger Divilly and out-half Ger O’Connor they are always dangerous and will prove formidable opponents on Sunday.

Sligo have done everything asked of them so far this year, the management triumvirate of Joe Walsh, Roger Burrows, and Cameron Giles have assembled a team that can match any in Connacht. Walsh’s tactics have been excellent so far, playing to his team’s strengths with a formidable forward-driven attack and impenetrable defence the two outstanding features of Sligo’s campaign. The management trio have fostered a deep work ethic in the Sligo side, and all season they have conducted themselves superbly on and off the pitch. From the opening day victory away to Buccaneers, Sligo have been atop the table as they cruised to victory in Athlone before following up with a win at home to arch rivals Ballina. Loughrea were next up and a sparkling display in the Strandhill sunshine saw Sligo’s backline run riot and run out comfortable victors. A narrow win and disappointing performance away to Creggs saw questions marks arise about Sligo’s title credentials, but these were soon dispelled by a superb performance away to Castlebar as a Paddy Pearson inspired Sligo emerged victorious by 16-20. A Halloween fright at the hand of Tuam was next and but Sligo held on to make it six wins from six and cement their place at the top of the table. Corrib were next to be to the sword and a gritty forward performance saw Sligo win comfortably by 17-0. Sligo’s trip to Westport saw their only stumble on the road so far when they were held to a 0-0 draw despite a superb forward display. Sligo quickly bounced back from this disappointment with a hard-fought 9-3 victory away to OLBC where three penalties from the boot of fullback David Gerrity were enough to secure victory.

Sligo’s victories so far have been built around hark-work and discipline, with their set pieces exemplary. The props Martin Feeney, Adrian McHale, Ross O’Boyle, Gary Conneely, have been superb with Feeney and McHale showing how much their hard work in training has paid off with some barn-storming performance. Captain Ross Mannion has been superb at hooker, contributing in the loose matching his faultless throwing at the line-out. The line-out has been a major source of success for Sligo this year, with Mannion’s link-up with second row colossus James Wilson a vital part. Wilson has been a revelation this year providing a platform on which his side can prosper; he has been ably supported in the second row by the evergreen Peter Mullan. Mullan is having one of his best seasons in a Sligo jersey, and his all-round game as well as big match experience has ensured his cool head has steadied the ship for Sligo at times. Jamie Bowes and Kim Williams have been solid when called upon this season and show the strength in depth that lies within the Sligo pack. It has been a long time since Sligo were able to call on such a dynamic back-row as the one which is in place at the moment. The consistent Cathal Culhane continues to go about his work with great endeavour, and his work ethic and skills at the breakdown have seen him dismantle far flashier opponents so far this season. Blindside flanker Joe Sweeney has been one of Sligo stars this year, always making himself available for that vital carry or being in the right place to make that big hit, and has played himself right into contention for player of the season. Tongan powerhouse Mataelae Fifita completes the triumvirate in the backrow, and in his debut season for Sligo has already proved a firm crowd favourite with his powerful drives and big hits making a major impact. He is also Sligo’s leading try-scorer with four tries this year, including a superb solo effort against Corrib.

Sligo’s backline has seen a number of changes so far this year, some tactical and some inforced. The Halloween injury to Kiwi maestro Paddy Pearson in a freak accident that forced him out for the season was a massive blow to the side, as in his short space of time at the club he had shown himself to be one of the most exciting players ever seen in Hamilton Park. His match-winning performance in Castlebar will not be forgotten for a while. South African winger Nick Reynolds is another loss to the squad with his incisive running lines and lightening pace always a danger. However both these players have been adequately replaced as Sligo have re-shuffled and re-worked a back-line that is potent in attack but watertight in defence. At scrum-half Billy Leahy is a constant threat, his sniping keeping opposing backlines on their toes while his distribution has been faultless. Veteran out-half Gavin Foley has been his usual cool self, his experience proving vital in a number of close encounters so far this season. His tactical kicking performance in Sligo’s most recent encounter against OLBC was superb and Sligo will be looking for another controlling performance from Foley on Sunday. Centres Andrew Feeney and Andre Taurerewa have been reliable and their defence excellent as Sligo have conceded fewer points than any other side in JL1.

Winger Brian Hynes has made the step up from second team to first team rugby very successfully, and shows just how important a second team is to a junior club these days. He has been excellent throughout the campaign with his defence and kicking skills prominent. Another player to benefit from the second team production line is Warner Wilders, the former Sligo youths star, benefitted greatly from his outings with the seconds and is right back in the mix for a starting berth on Sunday after his excellent seasonal debut against OLBC. Fullback has seen the youthful David Gerrity shine this season and develop into one of Sligo’s most influential players. His dangerous running lines, and faultless tactical kicking combined with his reliable goal-kicking have been an important part of Sligo’s success as he has developed into one of the best fullbacks in junior rugby. Sunday also see’s three Sligo players returning from injury, hoping to force their way into contention for a starting place. Julian Rippon has been a long-term absentee but has been a first-team regular for a number of seasons, and the speedy winger will hope to be back in the action as soon as possible. Another lightening fast winger returning from injury is Ted Mulvaney who after forcing his way into the starting line-up was unlucky to suffer a broken thumb which ruled him out for a few weeks, however he hopes to be back for Sunday and if he is fit will provide coach Joe Walsh with a welcome selection head-ache. Andy Williams is also back in the squad for the Monivea game, and this useful utility player will offer Sligo plenty of option around the park.

Sunday’s game is the biggest game at Hamilton Park for a number of years, and both club captain Ross Mannion, and club president Conor Frasier are urging all club members, past and present, and any other local sports fans to come out and ensure a huge home crowd for this vital tie. A vocal home support is a massive boost to any side, and a packed stand will ensure a red-hot atmosphere for what promises to be a fascinating clash between the champions Monivea, and this season’s form side, Sligo. Kick-off is 2-30pm in Hamilton Park, Strandhill and all are welcome for this massive clash.