St Mary’s secure narrow win against Clontarf

St Mary’s College 22 Clontarf 20

St Mary’s College have moved up to third in the Division 1A table, drawing level on points with Clontarf, after defeating the north Dubliners at Templeville Road today.

Peter Smyth’s men settled quickly into their stride and constructive play from the forwards was rewarded with a 13th-minute try from hooker Richie Sweeney.

Gavin Dunne added the conversion, taking his tally for the league run to 69 points, and Clontarf struggled initially to shore up their defence in and around the fringes.

Jack McGrath, who lined out for Leinster last weekend, made an immediate impact as a replacement, muscling over for St. Mary’s second try which went unconverted.

A free-flowing attack sent winger Richie Lane over for a 31st minute for ‘Tarf, despite a despairing challenge from Rob Sweeney.

Lane added the conversion but Dunne knocked over a late penalty for a 15-7 half-time scoreline.

The second half was scoreless until Lane landed a 58th minute penalty. The St. Mary’s defence was then worn down for number 8 Frank Cogan to touch down and Lane converted for a 17-15 turnaround.

Lane added his second successful penalty but St Mary’s produced a dramatic finish.

Right at the end of this absorbing Dublin derby, home out-half Philip Brophy wormed his way over for a vital try and full-back Dunne crucially converted to give his side a two-point winning margin.

Scorers:

St Mary’s College: Tries: Richie Sweeney, Jack McGrath, Philip Brophy; Cons: Gavin Dunne 2; Pen: Gavin Dunne

Clontarf: Tries: Richie Lane, Frank Cogan; Cons: Richie Lane 2; Pens: Richie Lane 2