CLONTARF SKID ON SLIPPERY ROCK!
31/03/2008
Blackrock 17 Clontarf 16

“Defeat should never be a source of discouragement but rather a fresh stimulus”

Robert South, Calvinist, 1634 – 1716. 


Generally I hate writing about losses….. I find I have to control myself from fulminating over some innocent error or raging in print at the referee because he has the temerity to be a human.

Saturday was a clear reminder of the ‘old days’ when Clontarf performances were, so often, placed in the category of moral victory. Losing is always disappointing but this game uncovered so many nuggets of commitment and courage that I find myself looking forward with relish rather than backwards with regret.
Sure; we are now no longer masters of our own destiny in the League, however, the teams are closely bunched at the top of the Division and Cork Con are not yet full certain of a home semi final unless they beat Dolphin in their last game. Garryowen and Shannon are at home to UCD and Greystones respectively and are odds on to get bonus points. If Con lose out to Dolphin even a bonus point might not be enough to keep them at Temple hill for the Semi. This should give us a chance to redeem ourselves even if Dolphin beat Mary’s in Dublin next weekend.

Isn't this exciting? ...If the rugby becomes too stressful you can always immerse yourself in the mathematics for entertainment! 

This game would be described as classic among the blind rugby supporters association.
It was dominated by a ferocious gale blowing from the pavilion end which Clontarf defended in the first half. ‘Tarf turned over at half time 0 11 after two penalties from O’Shea and a try from Treston after the pack rumbled around on the ‘Rock line for an eternity. Playing into the wind in the second half ‘Tarf were always going to be up against it so a cheeky break from O’Donohoe around the side of a maul for a score was a healthy fillip for the away support. He was so quick the referee missed it completely and had to confirm the grounding with his linesman despite the fact that there was no one else near the score. O’D had scored and was celebrating while the referee was still staring into the maul like a goose staring into a bottle!

With 20 minutes on the clock Clontarf were leading 3 16 when ‘Rock made a superb break in the Centre and were certain to score but for a flying cover tackle from Phil Howard who then got cruelly penalised in the effort to turnover the ball. ‘Rock tapped quickly despite being within five yards of the line and scored in the confusion under the posts for 10 16 and game on.

Clontarf then hit the Munster button and proceeded to eat the ball.

It was a fantastic display of controlled possession which ate 10 minutes of time through what must have been 30+ phases. Unfortunately in these situations it takes control from three directions for this tactic to work. Controlled possession, controlled defence, and controlled refereeing. Unfortunately something malfunctioned between the referee and the side in possession and, with an agonising 4 minutes to go, ‘Rock were awarded a penalty which they immediately put to the corner. From the lineout they worked their right wing try scorer Shane Monaghan into a gap and under the posts for 17 16.
A try off first phase?......... not good….

That was heartbreak for Clontarf who had dominated their opponents for most of the game. Some of the defensive hits were astonishing, particularly from Conor Keegan in the centre who, quite frankly, deserves a bloody medal.
Given the way he played it would be appropriately bloody!

The pack was a savage revelation and it took all of Shane Byrne’s guile to keep his side in the game. He made some telling bursts when the chips were down which was important for ‘Rock because most of his team mates were blitzed when they ventured around the side. The Clontarf back row had huge games defensively with Simon Crawford leading the line like something from the depths of the forest ably assisted by Martin Garvey who, despite his refined accent, IS something from the depths of the forest!
The lineout was perfect with both Carson and Duffy dovetailing expertly and O’Siochain again making a complete nuisance of himself on opposition ball.

OK, we lost late in the game which is medicine we have handed to a few Clubs this year so we cannot whinge. On the positive side the team played their collective hearts out and despite the result regained their honour after the debacle in the Cup and regalvanized me and the Clontarf support for the coming games.

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