O’Neill’s try pivotal as Terenure tame Clontarf

Stephen O’Neill’s first-half try was the difference at Lakelands Park as Terenure College’s dream start continued in Division 1A with a 14-9 win over champions Clontarf.

Terenure’s fifth victory of this campaign extended their winning streak in the Ulster Bank League to an incredible 28 games, and in the process dented Clontarf’s title defence with a second defeat.

The hosts went ahead thanks to two James Thornton penalties. O’Neill’s 37th-minute try from a kick through made it 11-0 at half-time. Improving ‘Tarf opened their account with a 54th minute penalty from replacement Alan Hughes, before a strong break by Connacht loanee John Cooney paved the way for Thornton’s third penalty, 13 minutes from time.