Determined Bruff best table-topping 'Tarf

Bruff 17 Clontarf 11

Table toppers Clontarf, who face Old Belvedere in the Division 1 semi-finals, were beaten 17-11 by a determined Bruff outfit at Kilballyowen Park this afternoon.

Bruff scored a second try through centre John Carroll, after 'Tarf number 8 Martin Garvey was sent-off in the 50th minute, and finished out on top.

But the result was not enough for the Limerick side to avoid a Division 1B promotion/relegation play-off against the team that finishes fifth in Division 2.

Eoin Cahill's men, who had lost their last four league games, took the lead in the seventh minute when flanker Alan Bourke nabbed his second try in as many games.

The conversion from out-half Tony Cahill was cancelled out by a Martin Dufficy penalty and the north Dubliners move ahead thanks to a 33rd minute try from Garvey.

However, just on the stroke of half-time, Cahill landed a penalty to give Bruff the lead again at 10-8.

Bernard Jackman's side wrestled back control to set up Dufficy for his second penalty, early in the third quarter. But Garvey's dismissal changed the complexion of the game and Bruff were able to see out a morale-boosting win.

Scorers: Bruff: Tries: Alan Bourke, John Carroll; Cons: Tony Cahill 2; Pen: Tony Cahill

Clontarf: Try: Martin Garvey; Pens: Martin Dufficy, Daragh O’Shea