Clinical Clontarf Regain Top Spot
Clontarf survived a second half fightback from UCC to carve out a bonus point 27-8 win on Sunday afternoon and return to the top of All-Ireland League Division 1B.
A third minute penalty from centre Andrew Burke gave UCC an early advantage at Castle Avenue, but their lead was shortlived.
Two minutes later, outstanding flanker Eoin Cremen touched down for Clontarf. The hosts put pressure on a UCC scrum five metres from the Cork side's line and Cremin was on hand to get the touchdown. Out-half Noel Reid converted to make it 7-3.
Continued pressure from Clontarf got little reward until the 27th minute when young lock Eoghan Browne scored after a lineout to make it 12-3.
It was Browne's debut for the Clontarf senior team, having been a regular for the club's Under-20 side, but the try went unconverted.
Burke had the opportunity to keep UCC ticking over on the scoreboard with a 34th minute penalty but failed with his attempt. Right on the half-time whistle, Reid kicked a penalty to improve Contarf's lead to 15-3.
Flanker Barry O'Mahony, a summer signing from Dolphin, scored 'Tarf's third try, early in the second half, after a great break involving Phil Howard and Michael Keating.
UCC then fought back and replacement Andy O'Leary slipped over for an unconverted try in the 59th minute.
The Cork students had a 20-minute spell in which they put Clontarf under severe pressure, but some brilliant defending from Bernard Jackman's men saw them hold out.
And in the last minute of the game, winger Keating intercepted a pass to scorch over by the posts and secure a bonus point for Clontarf which Howard converted with the final kick of the game.
Referee: George Clancy (IRFU)