Razor sharp out-half David Joyce finished with 20 points as he steered Clontarf past a previously unbeaten UCD side at Castle Avenue, with the result moving the north Dubliners to the top of Division 1A.
This tense Dublin derby was level at the break with out-halves David Joyce and Niall Earls kicking two penalties apiece for a 6-6 scoreline.
But Clontarf had the match winner in Joyce whose excellent run of penalties – he kicked six in all – supplemented a converted penalty try in the second half.
UCD fought until the bitter end with a fortunate try from replacement Liam Hyland, after an Earls penalty had come back off a post, closed the gap to 19-16.
However, Andy Wood's men, whose defence was top notch, managed to hang on despite losing replacement Simon Crawford to a red card for a high tackle.
Two closing penalties from man-of-the-match Joyce wrapped up the result for the hosts, who are now in pole position in the division after five rounds. UCD arein second, just a point behind, following their first defeat.
Full report to follow…
Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon (IRFU)
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