Ballynahinch 18 – Clontarf 33

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This was Clontarf’s second visit to Ballymacarn Park in 3 weeks where, according to the IRFU website, Ballynahinch must be sick of the sight of them.

They well may be. It certainly didn’t show in the level of hospitality shown by President David Napier and his Club. Once again the welcome and generosity was off the scale and I suppose if, after the two recent games, our Northern friends owe us one on the pitch, we certainly owe them a few in the bar next year in Castle Avenue.

I always approach these games in a slightly unsettled mood. Having already qualified for the semi-finals there is always the worry that mentally a team can be off the pace intensity required. Invariably injuries can result. It was heartening therefore to see the Tarf side in a tight huddle before the match whilst struggling in the bar to hold three glasses of beer. No sign of complacency there then.

The Clontarf selection was also strong and an opportunity was taken to rest some niggles which allowed some new blood a start in a low risk environment. That is, low risk for Clontarf . . .

There may not be many people north of the border who have heard of Conor O’Brien. Well, they know about him now! Not a good idea to have a nervous start defensively against this chappie as with his first touch of the ball he made 40 yards which resulted in a try to Tony Ryan. With his second touch he scored himself and as ‘Tarf moved to a 17 – 3 lead with a David Joyce try the home side were left chasing the game uphill. They managed to get it back to 18 – 20 in the second half but a try from Adrian Darcy plus three solid kicks from full back Rob Keogh sealed it for Clontarf. This was a powerful performance from a team that had, supposedly, nothing to play for and it compares well with some of the other results on Saturday. It is clear that the squad is relishing the prospect of the challenges to come and is intent on building momentum.

I forgot, that’s what champions do.

We are now looking at the Bateman Cup final in Cork at the weekend which will be televised, followed by the semi of the AIL in Lakelands, Terenure on the 25th which won’t be . . .