J1 League – Clontarf 10 Dublin University 9
By Mark Byrnes
Clontarf survived a tricky encounter against a valiant Dublin University side on Monday evening at Castle Avenue.
Conditions weren’t the greatest at Castle Avenue with a strong wind and a heavy pitch dictating the play, but Clontarf will be delighted to get the win without having to be at their best.
The first score of the game came on eight minutes following good work from the forwards. The pack picked and drove at their opponents and a perfectly timed pass from prop Ronan Donnelly drew his man and released to Turlough Considine to touch down for a deserved score.
The visitors responded with a penalty in front of the posts to leave it 5-3. A searing break from outhalf Martin Dufficy into the opposition 22 gave Clontarf a great chance for a score, but with the ball like a proverbial bar of soap, the chance was unfortunately lost and the score remained 5-3 at the interval.
The second half was only two minutes old when a maul from the Clontarf pack was halted close to the line, the ball was flashed out the back line where full back Michael Sherlock was on hand to touch down.
Trinity responded five minutes later to narrow the gap to 10-6 with another penalty. The lead was reduced to the minimum with another penalty setting up a frantic final ten minutes.
Clontarf held firm and some heroic defending kept their line secure. Another victory for AJ Clarke and Blaney Russell’s men.