Clontarf fend off UCC for win

UCC 15 Clontarf 17

Clontarf staved off a second half comeback from UCC as they moved nine points clear at the top of Ulster Bank League Division 1B.

UCC were looking for another big scalp after beating Lansdowne and Buccaneers in their two most recent home games.

But Bernard Jackman’s men set the early pace and a converted try from scrum half Sam Cronin, whose half-back partner Noel Reid also kicked a penalty, had them 10-0 ahead by half-time.

The second half was a much more even contest. Tries from out-half Johnny Holland and winger Andy O’Leary saw the Cork students finish off some excellent work from their pack.

Andrew Burke added a conversion and penalty, but a seven-pointer from winger Michael McGrath was enough for ‘Tarf to take the match points back to Dublin.

Scorers: UCC: Tries: Johnny Holland, Andy O’Leary; Con: Andrew Burke; Pen: Andrew Burke

Clontarf: Tries: Sam Cronin, Michael McGrath; Cons: Noel Reid, Martin Dufficy; Pen: Noel Reid