Lansdowne revival goes on as 'Tarf turfed

Lansdowne 27 Clontarf 26

The Lansdowne mini-revival looks set to continue as they put in an excellent second half display, inspired by three-try flanker Jim O'Donovan, to defeat Clontarf 27-26 on the Lansdowne back pitch.

How times have changed for Clontarf, the kingpins for much of last season. The side have yet to win in 2004, shipping defeats to Cork Con, Shannon and Ballymena and this afternoon they came out second best again as out-half Shane Whelan's injury time conversion gave Lansdowne a famous victory.

O'Donovan got in for an early try on 18 minutes, backed by Whelan's first conversion and penalty, but 'Tarf looked dominant as poor Lansdowne defence saw full back Darragh O'Shea and back row Declan Quinn over in the first half.

A conversion from former Ireland U21 out-half David McAllister and three penalties with the wind gave the visitors a 21-10 half-time lead.

O'Donovan was driven over for his second on 54 minutes, converted again from the left side by Whelan as Lansdowne mounted their challenge.

Leinster forward Aidan Kearney, on as a second half substitute, got in for his second try of the season in the right corner with 15 minutes remaining, but O'Donovan's third, after good work by left wing Fiachra Baynes, was coolly converted to move Lansdowne up to 11th.