TARF CRUSHED BY ROCK AVALANCHE !
10/03/2008
Blackrock 34 Clontarf 17


“ When you’ve got nowhere to turn , turn on the gas”

Truman Capote


The Clontarf support got a really good opportunity to practice being good losers again on Sunday in Stradbrook. What was amazing about the first half was that it was played in an atmosphere of almost total silence. I don’t think anyone could believe what they were seeing , least of all the Blackrock support who were paragons of restraint despite the on field dominance of their side for the opening period. 
It is hard to know where to start in trying to describe this game. Blackrock hit the pitch pumped to the nines and set about Clontarf like junkies on crystal meth. ‘Tarf are starting to get a reputation for slow starts in games but this was ridiculous.By the time we got our hands on the ball in a meaningful manner the game was effectively over as a contest. Fionn Carr had a proverbial blinder and racked up scores like a dinging slot machine. It was a complete pantomime …,. Rock attack , Tarf transgress , Carr kicks a penalty. Rock attack , Tarf miss a first up tackle , Carr scores a try.
When that guy gets that much space and possession you might as well kiss it goodby because even a special forces sniper with a 50 cal is probably going to miss him. He is that quick.
Obviously there is more to it than just one player. ‘Rock were made to look perfect for 35 minutes. They outrucked , outran , out tackled , out thought and outfought Clontarf all over the park. Frankly it was my most embarrassing 40 minutes as a Clontarf member in 10 years.
You have to wonder why guys bust their guts training three nights a week just to serve up a dross performance like that.
If anyone has the answer …please call me on 0868327741.

The second half saw some restoration of pride as ‘Tarf dug in and manufactured some scores . Paul O’Donoghoe sniped for a couple and Max R McD got clear for one after coming on for Derek Keane.
Unfortunately the game was long gone at that point and any restored pride needs to be underpinned and developed by some serious honesty in the coming two weeks.

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