CONDITIONS WIN IN GALWAY!
23/01/2007
Galwegians 8 Clontarf 8

Early in the season this game was identified as the pivotal fixture for Clontarf. Survive here and we would be looking at six fixtures remaining, four of which would be at home, one away in Dublin, and one day trip to Ballymena.
So, no more Hotels for the rest of the season which I’m sure will be a relief for some. At the end of the day Clontarf got a draw and have slipped from joint first to third in the league. This is a very satisfactory position. There is a lot of rugby to be played before the league playoffs are decided and a lot of the rugby to be played by Clontarf will be on their own patch.
Galwegians are a coming force; they have a big athletic , aggressive pack and a set of backs who are quick and alert. Don’t be surprised if they do damage to some of the big boys in the remaining games.
Saturday had all the ingredients for a rugby farce. The conditions were appalling for the game with a howling gale blowing up the field toward the clubhouse and liberal mixes of rain, sleet and hail thrown in. The home side had the elements in the first half and threw themselves into working field position for their maul. They were successful with one and added a penalty kick for a 8 nil half time lead. Clontarf took the wind in the second half and after 5 minutes scored from their own maul. They also added a penalty after 5 more minutes for 8 all and 30 minutes to play. From that point on it was frustration after frustration as the Galwegians defence and some hapless maul refereeing worked to hold the visitors scoreless to the end. The penalty count in the second half was massively in favour of the home side and Clontarf seemed to be penalised every time they got into the home 22.
So 8 all it stayed and in the end the supporters had to be content with celebrating survival in the arctic conditions.
Thanks to all who travelled to support the side in the most bitter conditions. Given the competing attractions of a warm fire and the Heineken Cup on the TV it is amazing and inspiring to see the Clontarf mob turning up at all the games.

Are we mad? 

---