And so we headed back to Templeville Road for the first time in the AIL for lots of years. This ground has seen many great rugby occasions between the two clubs, including many deep traumas inflicted on us by sparkling Marys back-lines over the years. Apparently, the recent statistics of games here show Clontarf as the leading winner. That’s not how I remember it (I am old though).
On Saturday, on a lovely re-laid pitch, Clontarf and St Marys tipped the hat to tradition and set up a battle essentially between their backs and our forwards. I know that is simplistic and the game had a lot more than that, but as it unfolded, it became clear that the tradition of superb back play was alive and (not) kicking in Templeville.
The game ultimately came down to Clontarf’s ability to get control of the ball.
In the first quarter we dominated possession and territory but were undone on multiple occasions in the red zone by sloppy handling and some forced decisions. With accuracy we could have been two/three scores to the good after the first quarter, but instead were a try down when the home side broke off a scrum early doors, and a lovely pop-off set them away into the Tarf 22, where one recycle saw them in on the right.
As we moved into the second quarter Tarf got a foothold, set a maul, marched to the right like Dutch football supporters and when it shifted to the line, it sloughed off nearly all the defenders and trotted in like a herd of cows coming for milking. That set the tone. Mary’s added a penalty after a scrum Infringement. Tarf added one for the same reason and Mary’s scored a beauty when they gathered a misdirected kick and overloaded the blindside at the ruck and had the hands and pace to go all the way.
Halftime was 17 10 to the home side.
In the second half Marys went for the jugular and added a try on the right, with a huge pass from out half Dean after relentless pressure on the Tarf line.
That brought the score to 22 10 and spurred Tarf into action. After their best burst of fast phases Con Kelly found Andrew Smith with a glorious cross kick and the Connacht winger finished the move in superb style.
As we moved into the final quarter, Tarf mauled again, and Dylan Donnellan zipped off the side to score. Con Kelly added the extras from the sideline and Clontarf led for the first time in the match 22 24.
Mary’s were not to be undone, however, and as time ticked down, they scored again on the right for 27 24. At this point, the game was about experience and fatigue. Clontarf won a scrum at the Marys 22 and with the clock in injury time went for the lineout. After phase upon phase of driving and penalty after penalty awarded against the frantic defender’s sub hooker Barry Gray plunged over, under the posts for the winner, the certain conversion, and more importantly, the final whistle.
Next up Garryowen in Castle Avenue.
Match Report by Peter Walsh, phots courtesy of Michael Sheridan