There was an awful lot of huffing and puffing in Castle Avenue on Saturday!
Clontarf huffed and puffed trying to break down a Con defence that huffed and puffed to good effect. All this was supported by a referee who huffed and puffed himself pink with the number of penalties he awarded, in particular against the attacking side. He had his hand in the air with such rhythmic regularity that he looked like he was doing the disco dance from the film “Saturday Night Fever”.
I have never witnessed a side concede so many penalties as Clontarf did on Saturday. I have no doubt that the video analysis will tell the story and any discipline issues can be rectified. It was a pity because when we managed to get through phases (without conceding) we were clinical and dangerous and managed two super scores in the second half.
First was a great run by Matt Darcy and the second was a rumbler off the back of a scrum to Mick Noone. Unfortunately, these came too late in the game and as Con tired, the clock wound down to save them with a late drop goal effort from Joey Carbury blocked by the desperate defence.
Enough of that . . . On Friday night I hauled across town to watch the U20’s against Blackrock and was treated to the usual Irish stew of a game that only teenagers can serve up. Loads of effort and sweat, some brilliantly insane decision making, especially in a chequered first half, and then a power performance in the second half to warm the heart.
Rugby is, as a first principal, a game of disciplined aggression where the team with control and technique allied to commitment will generally prevail. Clontarf’s second half in this game was a lesson in organised intimidation where the opposition were given no rest from the pick and drive game executed to perfection, not as a singular foray, but as a pod of anger. Clontarf hit ‘Rock hard in groups and ‘Rock had no answer.
It was great to watch.