Clontarf 35 UL Bohemians 10:AFTER DEFEATS in their opening two games, Clontarf at last got their Ulster Bank League Division One A challenge under way with a bonus point success over UL Bohemians at Castle Avenue on Saturday.
Anything less and Clontarf may have had to forget about any ambitions of capturing the title. As it is, they have moved from second last up to sixth in the table.
There’s still quite a bit to be done as they trail the leaders Lansdowne by eight points. But at least last season’s runners-up have a vital win under their belts.
“We were under a lot of pressure,” admitted coach Andy Wood. “But we knew what had to be done and we delivered.”
Wood was entitled to feel pleased as his team kept their composure to grab the bonus point with a fourth try from centre and captain Evan Ryan in injury time.
Earlier, Clontarf had made life difficult for themselves by conceding a try from a block down in the opening minute.
Mossie Lawlor’s score and a further try from No 8 Seán Rennison kept a UL Bohs side, missing their emerging Munster star JJ Hanrahan, very much in contention.
Clontarf responded with a try from flanker Adrian D’Arcy, converted by Richie Lane, and three penalties by Lane to lead 16-10 at half-time.
Although UL Bohs now had the advantage of the wind, Clontarf dominated the second half. They upped their intensity to secure two more tries through through wing Mick McGrath and fullback Tom McCoy, the second of which was converted by Lane.
That pushed them 28-10 clear going into the closing stages.
With UL Bohs flanker Ian Condell yellow carded, Clontarf struck for the vital bonus point with a fourth try through Ryan in injury time.
Lane duly added the conversion to bring his personal contribution to 15 points.
“When you don’t match up physically there are going to be problems. That game was a huge lesson for us,” said UL Bohs coach Colm Tucker. “Previously, we had acquitted ourselves well, losing narrowly to St Mary’s and beating Cork Con. But we just didn’t turn up as a team or as individuals today. Clontarf were much hungrier.
“Next Friday night’s local derby against Garryowen at Thomond Park is now going to be huge.”
CLONTARF: T McCoy; R Lane, N Myron, E Ryan (Capt), M McGrath; M D'Arcy, S Cronin; B Barclay, C O'Flynn, R Burke-Flynn, B Reilly, C O'Keeffe, S Crawford, A D'Arcy, M Garvey. Replacements: F Cogan, T Considine, D O'Meara.
UL BOHEMIANS: B Martin; D Moroney, M McPhail, M Lawlor, R Whyte; T Rafferty, C Sheridan; G Walsh, S Henry, A Simpson, E Kelly (Capt), D Foley, C Kindregan, I Condell, S Rennison. Replacements: T Burke, J Sutton, D Frawley, B Walsh.
Referee: S Gaffakin.
