St Mary's continue winning run

AIB LEAGUE DIVISION 1A:

Clontarf 24 St. Mary's College 39, Castle Avenue

Full-back Gavin Dunne scored 19 points as St. Mary's College continued their winning run and secured a home semi-final with a 39-24 victory over Clontarf at Castle Avenue today.

St. Mary's, who beat Clontarf 24-7 on the first day of the season, demonstrated why they deserve the prize of a home semi-final after delivering a trademark fast and efficient performance.

Going into the match, Clontarf knew they were going to have to pull out something special to overcome St. Mary's. 'Tarf's only hope of avoiding relegation to Division 1B was a bonus point victory, but it was not to be.

Relegation may seem like a harsh blow for Bernard Jackman's men who have battled fiercely against many of the big contenders all season, but with several narrow defeats, their final execution has been slightly lacking.

Once again, 'Tarf lost concentration at some crucial points in the game and St. Mary's duly took advantage by scoring three tries in ten second half minutes which ultimately determined 'Tarf's fate.

The first half was a slightly dull affair with most of the rugby being played in the middle third of the pitch.

However, just before half-time, St. Mary's burst into life. Out-half Shaun McCarthy, dictating the back-line moves, helped bring play into 'Tarf's 22. With the home side's defence stretched, the ball came out to flanker Damian Hall who had enough space to muscle over the line at the corner.

St. Mary's continued in the same fashion at the start of the second half, playing confidently with ball in hand and it took just four minutes to add another try.

Scrum half Conor McPhillips made a clever break off the back of a lineout, and this set St. Mary's up in a nice position. Centre Stephen Grissing lost possession but managed to pick up the loose ball and touch down for the visitors' second try.

Five minutes later, the Saints were in the same position and this time it was the in-form Mark Sexton who easily broke through a tiring' Tarf defence to touch down under the posts.

Clontarf seemed hungry to get back into the game but just when they put some good phases together, the alert McCarthy intercepted skilfully and popped the ball out to replacement Philip Brophy who darted for the line unopposed.

By the fourth quarter, it was an open game with both sides playing freely which made for a lively finish.

The home side came back well after second row and captain Simon Crawford drove over the line for 'Tarf's first try. The score came on the back of a long spell of possession in their opponents' 22.

This gave 'Tarf the inspiration for two more tries in the final ten minutes from replacement Henry Bryce and number 8 Martin Garvey.

But they never really came within distance of a comeback, especially with the competent Dunne scoring a converted try and a penalty to close out the game.

This was St. Mary's fourth win in-a-row and with home advantage in the upcoming semi-finals, they are in good position to go all the way.

Scorers: Clontarf: Tries: Simon Crawford, Henry Bryce, Martin Garvey; Cons: Martin Dufficy 3; Drop: Daragh O'Shea

St. Mary's College: Tries: Damian Hall, Stephen Grissing, Mark Sexton, Philip Brophy, Gavin Dunne; Cons: Gavin Dunne 4; Pens: Gavin Dunne 2