Clontarf too strong for students

Clontarf 34 Dublin University 20

Clontarf bossed their capital duel with an inexperienced Dublin University side to secure success in their AIB League Division One opener at Castle Avenue.

The students, who included eight league debutants from the kick-off, battled back from a 12-0 deficit to lead 17-15 early on in the second half, but ‘Tarf pulled clear thanks to late tries from Niall O’Brien and Max Rantz-McDonald.

Two converted tries from Martin Garvey and Conor O’Donoghue pulled Trinity back within a point at the interval at 14-15 down.

A Johnny Ross penalty handed them the lead for the first time but with a wind advantage, but ‘Tarf overhauled their younger opponents, scoring tries from winger Derek Keane, who touched down twice in the first half, centre O’Brien and full back Rantz-McDonald to power home.

Scorers: Clontarf: Tries: Derek Keane 3, Niall O’Brien, Max Rantz-McDonald; Cons: Peter O’Brien 3; Pen: O’Brien Dublin Uni: Tries: Martin Garvey, Conor O’Donoghue; Cons: Johnny Ross 2; Pens: Ross 2