Despite the disappointment from Saturday’s Ulster Bank League fixture in Castle Avenue the Youth teams took to their Leinster Schools-Youth Cup Semi-Finals with enthusiasm, skill and aggression on Sunday afternoon. Clontarf’s U13s and U17s were both in action at a Neutral Venue; Old Belvedere RFC, Anglesea Road.
The U17s kicked off at 12noon against a well drilled Lansdowne outfit. The game was typical of a Semi-Final; both teams were up for it. Possession and territory for Clontarf in the first half failed to yield any points. The Lansdowne defence was committed and disciplined. The half-time score was 0-0.
In the second half Clontarf came out of the blocks with fury. Hooker Jack Hutchinson made a huge tackle from the restart. The ball was turned over by Enda Kelly and Clontarf struck with a superb try to open the scoring. After that the scores came thick and fast from Clontarf and they finished at a canter with 6 tries and a 34-8 win. Amongst the notable team tries was David O’Byrne’s effort which came from multiple phases and keeping the ball alive. Mark white’s individual try is also worthy of mention. ‘Tarf U17s will face Old Belvedere RFC in the Final on Wednesday 25th April at Templeville Road. KO 7.30pm.
The U13s kicked off at 1.45pm on a hard and dusty back pitch against a very strong Seapoint RFC side in their Cup Semi-Final. Both sides showed great endeavour, good handling and an impressive knowledge of how to play the game and play it well. Clontarf opened the scoring with a try in the corner. The conversion was missed. A second try for Clontarf also went unconverted. Seapoint came back into the game with a try of their own before half-time. The half-time score was 10-5 to Clontarf. A try apiece in the second half left the final score at 15-10 to Clontarf who now progress to the Finals.
On behalf of Clontarf FC we extend our thanks to both Lansdowne U17s and Seapoint U13s for the sporting and competitive weekend games.