Clontarf convincing winners over Young Munster

Ulster Bank League Div 1A: Clontarf 35 Young Munster 10

Clontarf have climbed into third place in Ulster Bank League Division 1A after running out convincing winners over Young Munster this afternoon.

Castle Avenue showed its appreciation for a fine five-try display from Andy Wood’s men, who have leapfrogged over the Cookies in the top four.

Despite some light snow, both sides showed early adventure on the firm pitch. ‘Tarf took an 8-0 advantage after winger Michael McGrath added an unconverted try to Richie Lane’s initial penalty.

Young Munster, who had won their previous four league fixtures, bounced back as out-half Shane O’Leary crowned his first start at this level with a try.

Unfortunately for the visiting supporters, that proved to be Munsters’ only score of the first half.

Clontarf hit back with a Lane penalty and two further tries out wide before the break, one from winger Lane and the other was scored by busy flanker Adrian D’Arcy.

The north Dubliners, 21-5 to the good at half-time, survived a period while McGrath was in the sin-bin for taking a player out in the air.

Just after McGrath’s return to the pitch, centre Killian Lett burst through for the bonus point score. Lane converted from in front of the posts.

Director of rugby Mike Prendergast rallied his troops with some clever kicking and distribution and replacement Colin Liston made it over for a late consolation score.

However, Clontarf had the final say as a Prendergast pass was intercepted by Matt D’Arcy and the supporting McGrath was fed for his second try of the afternoon.

Scorers: Clontarf: Tries: Michael McGrath 2, Richie Lane, Adrian D’Arcy, Killian Lett; Cons: Richie Lane 2; Pens: Richie Lane 2

Young Munster: Try: Shane O’Leary, Colin Liston