Tarf struggle to overcome Greystones in Cup Semi
Author: Peter Walsh
2005-11-21
Clontarf 23 Greystones 22

Clontarf held on grimly to beat a determined Greystones side to qualify for the final of the Leddin Finance Leinster League cup. Rugby was never designed to be a breakfast game so the 11.15 am start really suited no one. With almost the length of two AIL divisions seperating the sides one would have thought that 'Tarf would have little difficulty with this home game. The rugby gods are fickle however and Greystones refused to be impressed with the home sides fluent attacks. Clontarf have an innate ability to explode with skill, score extravagant tries and then promptly slip back into an unfocussed indisciplined malaise. It was also disconcerting that every time a Clontarf attack was held up the home side earned a scrum and every time a 'stones attack was stopped the away side were awarded a penalty!....something funny here!!
The reality in this game was that 'Tarf were by far the superior force and really should have finished the game off as a contest in the first half. Some of their red zone decision making was bizarre with skilled players losing their composure at the sight of the opponents line. Needless to say 'Stones took heart at this generosity and with out half Edwards in great kicking form were able to stay the pace to the death. ultimately they were foiled by father time and the great break by Mckechnie from virtually his own line to touch down under the 'Tarf posts was 1 point too short at the final whistle.

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