CLONTARF LEAVE IT LATE AGAIN!
28/01/2008
Clontarf 10 UL Bohs 8


Well here we go again.

Although this time deep into time added on against UL Bohs we earned a penalty for hands in the ruck. This was a similar but different situation to that which prevailed in Anglesey Rd last week, because this time a decision needed to be made. Losing 5 8 with no time for even a lineout; it’s take the eminently kickable penalty for a draw, or throw down the gauntlet and go for it.
No one would have blamed the captain had he decided to go for the kick. However, there is a marked difference between the guys who are gutting it out every week on the training pitch and the pundits on the sideline whose idea of a serious ‘core’ work out is a bowel movement.
The decision to go for it was the right one in the circumstances. It was correct because it defined the attitude of the squad to the previous 85 minutes or so of effort and it defined the attitude of the squad for the challenges that are ahead in the rest of the league campaign.
If there is time on the clock Clontarf are going for a win.

That is really impressive.

For those who weren’t there O’D tapped and went to Healy who hit the UL Bohs defensive line like a hoplite and ploughed on for three yards or more. The fwds took it up a couple of times before Keatley threw a skip to Hewitt who passed to Carson who found Keane clear on the left for 10 8 , time up, and pandemonium in Castle Ave.
I bumped into one of the UL Bohs management and found myself awkwardly offering commiserations. I was dismissed with the immediate sentiment that any captain, given that choice in those circumstances, who decides to go for it deserves to win.
That was a pretty sporting gesture given that for much of the game UL looked the stronger side. 

Ultimately the game came down to two defences refusing to give an inch and in consequence it was no classic. Clontarf opened playing into a stiff breeze and after 15 were down by 5 after a break by UL outhalf Warwick was recycled at lightning speed for centre Murphy to put winger Hanly in at the corner. For the rest of the first half Clontarf did some superb work retaining the ball into the wind. It wasn’t pretty but it was very effective and it ran the clock down to half time without another score conceded. In the second half Clontarf began to make inroads and a superb sweeping move saw O’Shea in at the corner for 5 each . With 10 to go UL took the lead after the home side infringed in front of the posts for 5 8 and we were set for the dramatic and courageous finale.
The scenes at the end of the game were hilarious with a fully fledged pitch invasion by the assorted squads of mini’s who are fast becoming part of the match day routine.
As you are all aware Clontarf, by tradition, have a victory chant. This is performed in the changing room after the game and in these enclosed confines is a primal experience. The senior squad, being an inclusive bunch have taken to allowing a gang of minis get involved with hilarious results. They may not know this but by generously allowing the little guys mix with the seniors in this way is a pretty powerful induction to the traditions of the Club.

And don’t the kids love it!

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