J1 League – Lansdowne 28 Clontarf 36
By Mark Byrnes
Clontarf had an excellent win over Lansdowne at sun drenched Ballychorus on Sunday.
After an early penalty miss from Lansdowne, Clontarf scored a well worked try from centre Sean McKay with Phil Howard converting.
Phil Howard scored a try of his own in the corner and landed a magnificent conversion for a 14-3 lead after the first quarter. The home side scored a try to reduce the lead to 14-8 but Howard was enjoying a great day with the boot and extended the lead to 17-8.
The lead was reduced to just two points when Lansdowne scored a converted try coming up to the half time interval but Clontarf bounced back with the last play of the half with their third try. Howard again obliged with the extras. Tarf took a 24-15 lead into the break.
An early second half penalty from Howard extended the lead but Lansdowne did not give up and scored an unconverted try to leave the score 27-20 to Clontarf.
Lansdowne’s indiscipline cost them again with Howard landing a penalty. Lansdowne again came back with a try to leave the gap at five points.
Howard calmed Clontarf nerves with another penalty. With three minutes left Lansdowne kicked a penalty to leave them with a potential losing bonus point but Phil Howard capped off a wonderful day with the boot and kicked his fifth penalty with a minute left to give Clontarf a fully deserved 36-28 victory.