J1 Metro Cup Match: Clontarf 33 Old Wesley 27
by Mark Byrnes
Clontarf recovered from a half time deficit of 24-13 to emerge triumphant 33-27 winners in an entertaining J1 Metro Cup encounter at Castle Avenue.
Out-half Martin Dufficy was the star turn for Clontarf with a hat-trick of tries as the home side rallied back from the brink against a determined Wesley side.
Wesley started the game sprightly and after missing two early penalties they scored a try under post to open up a 7-0 lead.
Clontarf responded on the quarter hour when a great break through the middle from centre Justin Wilson was finished off by supporting second row Conor O’Keeffe. Dufficy failed to add the extras.
Old Wesley increased their lead with converted tries on 29 and 35 minutes – the latter a great move from their own goal line.
The game was held up for a considerable amount of time due to the unfortunate injury to Clontarf winger Johnny McDevitt who went to hospital with a dislocated elbow.
Dufficy narrowed the gap with a penalty on 38 minutes, but Wesley once again responded straight from the kick off with a three pointer.
In injury time of the first half, Clontarf got a badly needed try after good ball retention, hooker Jonathan Larbey dotted down in the corner to leave it 24-13 at the interval.
Clontarf began the second half a different side and Dufficy scored two tries in the first ten minutes, the first with a searing run and the second after a great break from sub James Harte. The score now read 24-23 with Clontarf taking control of the game at this stage.
A monster penalty from half way from Harte put Clontarf in front 26-24 and Old Wesley missed the a penalty chance to restore their lead when Clontarf were reduced to 14 after being adjudged to be blocking from the kick off.
However Wesley did go back in front on 63 minutes with a straightforward penalty, but Dufficy completed a great hat trick with a chip and chase, showing skill and pace to score near the posts. Harte converted and it finished 33-27 at the final whistle.