Clontarf Open Win Account

The only try, scored by back rower Martin Garvey, made all the difference as Clontarf picked up their first win of the AIB League Division 1A campaign at Thomond Park on Saturday.

AIB LEAGUE: DIVISION 1A: Saturday, October 24

UL BOHEMIANS 3 CLONTARF 8, Thomond Park

Scorers: UL Bohemians: Pen: Daragh Frawley
Clontarf: Try: Martin Garvey; Pen: Martin Dufficy

UL Bohemians will regret not being able to convert four penalty chances but in the very windy conditions, their place-kicker could not be faulted.

AIB League debutant Daragh Frawley landed a penalty for Bohs from 48 yards, while Martin Dufficy kicked a penalty for ‘Tarf, leaving it tied at 3-3 at the break.

The all-important try came 23 minutes into the second half.

Clontarf opted to kick for the corner from a penalty, they won the subsequent lineout and the pack drove over with big back rower Martin Garvey getting the touchdown to seal an 8-3 triumph.

It was a deserved victory for the north Dubliners, who managed the conditions better than their hosts and were able to turn pressure into points in scoring the only try.

Scrum half Paul O’Donohoe was lively throughout for ‘Tarf, although Bohs hard hitters Kieran O’Gorman and Tommy O’Donnell gave the Leinster-capped player little room to manoeuvre in.

UL full-back Danny Riordan kicked well and was dangerous when raiding forward from the rear, while winger Cian Aherne has to be commended for his try-saving tackle in the phase before Garvey struck.