Clontarf come from behind for victory

UCD 16 Clontarf 20

Clontarf continued their incredible run in Division One as they came from behind to beat UCD 20-16 at Belfield today.

Phil Werahiko’s side came good for their seventh straight win as the league’s top try scorer Derek Keane notched a late converted try.

The luckless students have now lost three of their last four league games and are out of the play-off hunt, back in eighth.

‘Tarf, meanwhile, are sitting pretty in second – one point behind leaders Garryowen.

‘Tarf number 8 Philip Purdue got over for an early try, but UCD were in front by half-time thanks to an unconverted try from hooker Conor Geoghegan and fly half Eoghan Hickey’s brace of penalties.

Full-back Darragh O’Shea then nudged ‘Tarf back in front courtesy of a penalty and drop goal, and while Leinster’s David Blaney managed to score a second UCD try in the right corner for 16-13, fleet-footed winger Keane had the final say, with the reliable O’Shea adding the extras.

Scorers:

UCD: Conor Geoghegan, David Blaney; Pens: Eoghan Hickey 2

Clontarf: Tries: Philip Purdue, Derek Keane; Cons: Darragh O’Shea 2; Pen: O’Shea; Drop: O’Shea