Clontarf Get Bonus Point Reward Against Bohs
Clontarf provided some Bank Holiday cheer on a chilly Saturday afternoon at Castle Avenue as they beat UL Bohemians with a bonus point in tow.
It was a timely result for Andy Wood's men as they had lost their opening two Division 1A matches and were second-from-bottom in the table.
Wearing white jerseys, Clontarf got to a nightmare start as a blocked kick allowed UL Bohs director of rugby Mossy Lawler to sprint in for a first minute try.
Bohs were unable to build on that unconverted effort though, with Richie Lane landing a penalty and converting a 14th minute try from flanker Adrian D'Arcy.
Lane had actually missed his first shot at the posts, but the Ireland Club international soon found his range. He added a second penalty, 25 minutes in, as Clontarf maintained pressure in the UL half.
A strong scrum and good distribution and running from scrum half Sam Cronin kept the north Dubliners on top, but Bohs hit back approaching half-time.
Despite having captain Ed Kelly sin-binned, the visiting forwards pressed with Munster hooker Sean Henry setting up a number of threatening mauls from lineouts.
'Tarf's well-marshalled defence held out until powerful back rower Sean Rennison wormed his way over in the left corner for a late five-pointer.
The conversion was missed by first-time starter Tim Rafferty in a tricky wind and Lane also fired wide from a kickable penalty right on the half-time whistle.
Big lock Ben Reilly continued to wield influence in the lineout and the loose as 'Tarf, armed with a 16-10 lead, opened the second period on the front foot.
Impressive out-half Matt D'Arcy threw a neat dummy and blazed through the Bohs midfield to get the hosts within striking distance. Soon after, UL were caught out near the left touchline as winger Michael McGrath crashed over for his side's second try.
Lane was unable to convert from a difficult position and UL tried to respond, with Cathal Sheridan and Ben Martin looking to provide some much-needed spark.
But 'Tarf were in no mood to let the Limerick side get back in touch and countering from deep, a free-flowing move ended with winger Timmy McCoy brushing off the tackles to make it over for try number three.
Lane added the extras from wide out on the right and as UL continued to be frustrated by handling errors, the home side stole in for their bonus point score in injury-time.
Matt D'Arcy was again involved, shipping a tackle and getting the ball free for his captain Evan Ryan to round in from the left. Lane completed the scoring with the conversion, taking his haul for the day to 15 points.
Referee: Stuart Gaffikin (IRFU)