Rock rumble favourites Clontarf

Blackrock College 13 Clontarf 10

Having lost their first game of the season, Blackrock’s season is continuing to improve as they held off last season’s runners-up Clontarf at Stradbrook 13-10, thanks to a try from centre Paul Drew.

It was a low scoring opening half, as both packs fought for domination, but two penalties from in-form out-half Conor Kilroy handed the home side a 6-0 advantage at the break.

His second effort on 29 minutes being the best one, hit from 30 metres. His opposite number David McAllister was having an off day and his misses on 30 and 39 minutes spoiled some good work from his forwards.

Clontarf’s John Duffy almost made it to the Blackrock line in the opening quarter, but it was the home side who got the game’s first try, through Drew on 50 minutes, converted by Kilroy.

Three minutes later McAllister slotted over his only penalty success of the game. Indeed the Clontarf number 10 limped off in the 62nd minute with a leg injury.

The Castle Avenue men continued to press and deservedly got a bonus point try through wing Daire Higgins, to which Daragh O’Shea, playing in the centre this afternoon, tagged on the conversion.

It was to prove too late as ‘Rock ran out winners, seeing them eighth in the table, with Clontarf slipping to fifth.