Walls and McAllister steer Clontarf to top spot

CLONTARF powered to the top of the AIB League’s Division One with a great victory over Garryowen at Castle Avenue.

The north Dublin side overcame the treacherous conditions to produce a marvellous performance and none did better than half backs Mike Walls and David McAllister.

Mark Hewitt grabbed the opening dry before Conor Mahony powered in for a second. David Moore got the third and McAllister’s conversions ensured that ‘Tarf were on their way. Gerry Hurley’s two first half penalties were mere consolation efforts for Garryowen.

Simon O’Donnell got over for the fourth try eight minutes from the end to secure the bonus point after McAllister had kicked two penalties. Garryowen did score tries through Donal Sheehan and Conan Doyle, but Clontarf fully deserved their triumph.

UCD remain in strong contention for the title after beating Blackrock College, but their failure to pick up a bonus point allowed Clontarf to sneak to a one point lead.

Buccaneers also remain in contention after a hard fought win over Dungannon. David Connellan kicked four penalties to help his side to a 12-10 win.

Lansdowne remain rooted to the bottom while Co Carlow picked themselves up off the floor with a 24-10 win at Oak Park.

In Division Two, Dolphin slipped up again when they lost away to DLSP. They picked up the bonus point, but the Dublin club now lead the division on points difference from UL Bohemian, victors over UCC on Saturday. Bective Rangers are in third place following their 21-16 win over Old Crescent.

It doesn’t get any easier for Highfield, who lost again by a narrow margin to Old Belvedere at Woodleigh Park. The ‘Field have won just one game from seven but hang in there due to their six bonus points.

Midleton made further progress up the table with a comprehensive 16-0 win over Young Munster at Towns Park, leaving the Limerick side bottom of the table after wins by Old Belvedere, Malone and Barnhall.

Greystones continue to set the pace in division Three and City of Derry were no match for them at Dr Hickey Park. Greystones won the game 58-5 and scored eight tries in the process.

Clonakilty enjoyed an eight point victory away to Ards to secure second place. Corinthians tail them on points difference but they too enjoyed a good afternoon with a 27-3 win over Ballina.