Blackrock lose perfect record

Clontarf 9 Blackrock College 3

Blackrock College’s 100% start to the AIB League season came to end at Castle Avenue as Martin Dufficy kicked Clontarf to a narrow win today.

Dufficy, the former Ireland U-20 out-half, kicked ‘Tarf into the lead with a second-half drop goal and then he sealed the result with a crisply-struck penalty on 73 minutes.

These Dublin rivals had been level at 3-3 at half-time, Dufficy and his opposite number James Power landing a penalty apiece.

Blackrock’s enviable back-line, brimful of Leinster Academy talent, failed to get going and Clontarf deserve credit for keeping it tight, where openside flanker Peter Synnott revelled.

‘Tarf scrum half Paul O’Donohoe also exerted plenty of influence, while experienced lock Des Dillon and assured full-back Niall Morris both impressed for the visitors who also lost at this venue last season.

Scorers:

Clontarf: Pen: Martin Dufficy; Drops: Martin Dufficy 2

Blackrock College: Pen: James Power