Three Points The Difference At Temple Hill

Experienced winger Cronan Healy was in outstanding form, slotting in at outside centre, as Cork Constitution made it three wins in four league games with a 21-18 success over Clontarf at Temple Hill.

AIB LEAGUE: DIVISION 1A: Saturday, November 14

CORK CONSTITUTION 21 CLONTARF 18, Temple Hill

Scorers: Cork Constitution: Tries: Richie Lane, Scott Deasy; Con: Scott Deasy; Pens: Scott Deasy 3
Clontarf: Tries: Martin Dufficy, Simon Crawford; Con: Martin Dufficy; Pens: Martin Dufficy 2

Cork Con led 11-5 at the end of an exciting first half, during which Clontarf out-half Martin Dufficy and home winger Richie Lane crossed for early tries.

Both sides had provincially-contracted players on show, with recent Munster debutant Stephen Archer enjoying a ding-dong battle in the scrum with ‘Tarf’s former Leinster prop Niall Treston.

Scott Deasy, another fine prospect for Munster, was Cronan Healy’s partner in midfield and he kicked two penalty goals to edge the Leesiders ahead for half-time.

The result was in the balance right until the final minutes. ‘Tarf went ahead when flanker and captain Simon Crawford wrestled his way over for a converted try.

But Deasy kicked the hosts back in front and his own converted try was enough to seal the win, while two late penalties from Dufficy handed the visitors a losing bonus point.