Jackman's Clontarf keep hold of top after victory

CLONTARF 25 LANSDOWNE 18

Bernard Jackman's Clontarf side their grip on top spot in Division 1B of the All-Ireland League, thanks to a three-try victory over Lansdowne at Castle Avenue this afternoon.

In icy cold conditions, the visitors dominated most of the early exchanges and foraged into a 11-0 lead by the 24th minute.

Tricky winger Matt Healy claiming a 15th minute try for Lansdowne, who have struggled away from home so far this season, while experienced out-half Eoghan Hickey kicked the other six points.

Clontarf rallied before the break. A penalty from out-half Noel Reid opened their account with centres Evan Ryan and Simon Morrissey spending time in the sin-bin.

Then a controversial penalty try, in the dying moments of the first half, helped Clontarf close the gap to 11-10 for the interval.

A second Reid penalty edged the hosts ahead within four minutes of the restart and they maintained the lead until the finish, thanks to third quarter tries from hooker Aaron Dundon and ex-Leinster lock Ben Gissing.

Lansdowne hit back with a second try from Healy, which Hickey converted, to give last season's Division 2 champions a losing bonus point.

Scorers: Clontarf: Tries: Penalty try, Aaron Dundon, Ben Gissing; Cons: Noel Reid 2; Pens: Noel Reid 2

Lansdowne: Tries: Matthew Healy 2; Con: Eoghan Hickey; Pens: Eoghan Hickey 2

HT: Clontarf 10 Lansdowne 11