Clontarf stay top with defeat of Galwegians

Galwegians 11 Clontarf 33

Clontarf maintained their position at the top of All-Ireland League Division 1B this afternoon, although the margin of their 33-11 victory at Galwegians was somewhat flattering.

Lacklustre defending from the hosts allowed Bernard Jackman's men to dominate for long periods, and a late try from number 8 Ian Cullinane was meaningless in the end for 'Wegians.

The Galway side came into this game on the back of a one-point win over UL Bohemians, but 'Tarf's running game proved too much for them to handle. Losing a couple of influential to Connacht this weekend also dented 'Wegians' hopes.

The north Dubliners fell behind to a fifth minute penalty from 'Wegians captain John Cleary.

That score came against the run of play, and it was no surprise when flanker Barry O'Mahony, arguably the best summer signing in the league, broke through for 'Tarf's opening try in the 13th minute.

The former Dolphin clubman, as industrious as ever, got on the end of a lineout maul to break the try deadlock.

'Wegians could not make use of the strong wind at their backs and after the ball had been hacked downfield from a 'Wegians scrum, O'Mahony fed scrum half Sam Cronin for a well-taken breakaway try, converted by Noel Reid.

Finding themselves 12-3 ahead at half-time, Clontarf increased their advantage when lock Ben Gissing, who recently returned to the club, made a break from a lineout and set up loosehead prop Ciaran Kavanagh for a converted try.

Cleary kicked a 45th-minute penalty to help the home side cling on, but two more tries from centre Killian Lett and winger Michael McGrath put the game beyond their reach and gave 'Tarf a bonus point for the journey back to the capital.

Lett exposed the Galwegians defence with a well-taken intercept score, and McGrath then ran in unopposed from the ten-metre line as 'Wegians' heads began to drop.

They rallied in the closing minutes, notching a consolation try through the hard-working Cullinane.

But it could not cover up some of the sloppy play which gave 'Tarf an all too easy ride at times.

Scorers:

Galwegians: Try: Ian Cullinane; Pens: John Cleary 2

Clontarf: Tries: Barry O'Mahony, Sam Cronin, Ciaran Kavanagh, Killian Lett, Michael McGrath; Cons: Noel Reid 4