Clontarf Roll Over Buccaneers
Author: Peter Walsh
2005-01-31
Clontarf 30 Buccaneers 10


Thankfully we were spared a repeat of last weeks deluge with a rugby friendly cloudy Saturday at Castle Ave. Clontarf were anxious to get back on track after losing out to ‘Rock in the mud wrestling contest so it was not surprising that the start was a little nervy. In fact, it was nervy enough to give Buccs the opening advantage when their out half followed up a smart grubber in the ‘Tarf 22 for the touchdown beside the posts. The easy conversion gave Buccs a 7 – 0 lead which ‘ Tarf responded to with a penalty from McAllister. Five minutes later ‘Tarf had worked out that the threat from the visitors was in the backs and their weakness, unusually, was up front. A penalty kick to the corner was followed up with a tight maul and Dave Moore plonked over in the corner for 10 – 7. Shortly afterward a similar situation on the opposite side saw Captain Warren O’Kelly do the honours for 15 – 7.
Just on half time the Clontarf backline finally made their contribution with a slick move going right to left in the Buccs 22, centre Shane Moore, faced with a rushed defense put a deft chip to the corner and full back David Hewitt showed some delicate synchronized swimming skills to dive, catch and score in one movement.

‘Buccs opened the second half facing a 20 – 7 deficit with really only one option; keep the ball away from the ’Tarf pack and run all turnover ball from anywhere. This was massively entertaining for the home crowd and caused the home defense no end of worry at times. However they held firm and ultimately the ‘Buccs blew themselves out in the effort. Two sin binnings in the last 10 minutes didn’t help the away cause either and when ‘Tarf came calling for the bonus at the death good continuity and deft passing from Moore saw Carson in under the posts.

Clontarf are in heady company at the top of the division but have all to play for with away trips to Galway , Shannon and Belfast.

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