Lane serves up early Christmas present for Clontarf

Richie Lane served up an early Christmas present for his Clontarf team-mates in the form of a match-winning penalty at Castle Avenue.

Lane coolly slotted his last-minute kick to edge ‘Tarf home after a dogged Dublin derby that had plenty of twists.

Old Belvedere, third in the table after three straight wins, shot out of the blocks thanks to an intercept try from their captain Daniel Riordan.

The north Dubliners had the early pressure, but ‘Belvo struck first as a ‘Tarf move broke down and full-back Riordan cut through for his sixth try of the campaign.

Josh Glynn converted and then added a 12th minute penalty as Andy Dunne’s men maintained their free-scoring form - they put 44 points on Cork Constitution last time out.

But this was a much closer affair on the northside, both Lane and Glynn missing the target before Clontarf hit back with an unconverted try.

As half-time loomed, ‘Tarf managed to unlock the Belvedere defence, building from a close-in scrum, for left winger Timmy McCoy to nip over in the corner.

Lane closed the gap to 10-8 early in the second half, after Old Belvedere flanker Jonathan Slattery saw yellow for a high tackle.

‘Tarf’s goal-kicking winger fired over a second successful penalty as Andy Wood’s charges went in front for the first time.

Despite the best efforts of Leinster’s Leo Auva’a, the ‘Belvo number 8, and his provincial colleague Noel Reid, who came off the bench for Clontarf, try-scoring chances were at a premium.

It was left to Glynn and Lane to battle it out in a straight shootout with the boot. Glynn nudged ‘Belvo back in front with another surefooted kick, putting them in sight of their fourth league win on the trot.

However, ‘Tarf fought on and eeked out a final penalty in added time which Lane sent through the posts for a gritty one-point victory.

The result, in the final round of matches before the Christmas break, has moved ‘Tarf temporarily up to third - the position ‘Belvo held before kick-off.

ULSTER BANK LEAGUE:

DIVISION 1A:

CLONTARF 14 OLD BELVEDERE 13, Castle Avenue

Scorers: Clontarf: Try: Timmy McCoy; Pens: Richie Lane 3

Old Belvedere: Try: Daniel Riordan; Con: Josh Glynn; Pens: Josh Glynn 2

HT: Clontarf 5 Old Belvedere 10