Well who would have thought that a day like Saturday could have thrown up such a classic rugby game!
Right from the start both teams decided to ignore the howling gale blowing across the pitch and set about moving the ball at pace. Garryowen dominated the early exchanges with their swift offloading game and were well worth the first try in the right corner after some sweeping phases back and across the park.
Clontarf were not to be outdone and replied with a lovely solo effort from Conor O’Brien. As the half wore on it became clear that the visitors were struggling with the Clontarf aggression in defense and attack. At out half Clontarf have unearthed a maestro in Joey Carbury. Joey has been improving in every game and on Saturday gave the brave wind-blown supporters a taste of what is in store as his career builds. On a day you wouldn’t put the cat out he floated around the park torturing the Garryowen defense and asking questions with every play. Needless to say his performance inspired his side and none more than Mick McGrath who made hay and scored a hat trick to bring his seasons tally to 9 tries and counting.
Watching the two Clontarf backs was like watching an ice skater and a pet rhinoceros. If gliding through wasn’t working, then bashing would have to do it. And boy can Mick bash people! He was developing a kick and chase aspect to his game recently which the wind condition rendered too risky on Saturday. So Garryowen got a taste of route 1: McGrath style and a dose of post-traumatic stress as well.
This all added up to Clontarf’s most complete performance this season. Outside of the two cameo performances the team as a unit was outstanding in the second half. Having absorbed a big Garryowen start, Clontarf imposed themselves on the visitors and for periods of the game were close to rugby perfection . . . there . . . I said it.
It was a brilliant way to end the first half of the season.
Congratulations and a merry Christmas to all!