I think the overriding comment on this game was that we could have and possibly should have worked a bonus point but equally this was a game we could have lost. That is a very clear indication of the tight margins that apply when two good teams go toe to toe. Dolphin are a good side, have built well over the past few years with a solid influx of Munster Acadamy players to add zip to the power they had, and are well coached by Steve Ford .
Therefore it was not surprising that this game came down to some frantic defending at the end with Clontarf hanging on to a slender 6 point lead which was little reflection of their endeavor for the previous 75 minutes. The reality is that Clontarf had the better of the game and were well worth their victory. They scored two tries in the first half , one to Mick McGrath and one to the opposite winger Max McFarland who has now opened his account in the AIL. Both were converted by David Joyce who kicked beautifully all game. Collie O’Shea added a beauty in the second half to make the score 21 8 to Clontarf and a bonus was on. Unfortunately a superb drive down the pitch from the kickoff by the visitors ended with a penalty to the defenders when a try to Tarf looked almost certain. To add insult to injury Dolphin immediately broke out and scored undert the posts for 21 15 and set up a nervous finish for the Tarf side and their wilting support. They held out which was justice but therin lies the lesson. In this league , against the top sides, accuracy and composure on the ball is crucial.