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St. Mary’s Prevail In Dramatic Derby Finish

St. Mary’s Prevail In Dramatic Derby Finish

St. Mary’s College moved up to third in the Division 1A table, drawing level on points with Clontarf, after defeating the north Dubliners at Templeville Road.

Peter Smyth's men settled quickly into their stride, backed by the wind. Constructive play from the forwards was rewarded with a 13th minute try from hooker Richie Sweeney.

Gavin Dunne added the conversion, taking his tally for the league run to 69 points, and Clontarf struggled initially to shore up their defence in and around the fringes.

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Jack McGrath, who lined out for Leinster last weekend, made an immediate impact as a replacement, muscling over for St. Mary's second try which went unconverted.

A free-flowing attack sent hard-working number 8 Frank Cogan over for a 31st minute for ‘Tarf, who lost 24-7 here when the sides last met in league action two seasons ago.

Winger Richie Lane added the conversion but Dunne knocked over a late penalty for a 15-7 half-time scoreline.

The second half was scoreless until Lane landed a 58th minute penalty. The St. Mary's defence was then worn down for Lane to touch down and he converted for a 17-15 turnaround.

Lane added his second successful penalty but St. Mary’s produced a dramatic finish as their pack took advantage of a sin-binning for 'Tarf lock Jamie Chipman.

Right at the end of this absorbing Dublin derby, the home forwards chipped away at the Clontarf defence before home out-half Philip Brophy wormed his way over to the right of the posts.

Full-back Dunne crucially converted to give his side a two-point winning margin as their fourth league victory on the trot puts them right back in the title race.

Referee: Simon McDowell (IRFU)