This game could be accurately described as a slugfest. Think of two blindfolded men standing on a greasy pole over a precipice swinging at each other with cricket stumps. Firstly, a major shout out to the back line which was littered with young replacements after a raft of injuries and Leinster duties.
Mark O’Sullivan was parachuted into the No 9 jersey, as the only man standing with any experience of that position, and was heroic in the face of medieval pressure on the day. Mikey McGiff was dragged away from a Wingman Burger and stuck into the no 13 jersey and played superbly outside Matt Darcy, who was experience personified in the crucial closing stages of the game. On the wings Seni O’Reilly and Stephen Ryan were busy, constantly on the ball and Noah Sheridan slotting into 15 for a sick Tadgh Bird was solid in defence and threatening in attack. Proof positive that the pool of talent and courage in the club is deep.
Unfortunately, the day itself was the major influence on the match. The pitch, while perfectly playable, was never going to encourage fast ball and so the game was an old-style mano a mano arm wrestle. Perfect for the home side who are not worried about the physical stuff. Best example was early doors, which saw the home loose head helped to the side-line in a collision, which resulted in a nasty hand injury to Tony Ryan. First blood went to COA, after some good work from Tarf was let down by inaccuracy at the lineout. Unfortunately, Tarf then gave away easy yards by getting on the wrong side of the ref at the tackle and the scrum. Armagh gratefully accepted the territory and turned it in to a 7 point lead.
That pattern continued for the rest of the half. Clontarf working hard to raise the surge but transgressing at the set piece and inviting the home side into their 22. After another penalty to touch, Armagh added a second try after their hooker broke from a maul and seemed to be holding on at the Tarf line. The ball squirted loose and was gratefully grounded by the home forwards for 12 0.
Approaching half time, Clontarf finally got on the right side of the whistle and three consecutive penalties brought us to a lineout on the Armagh line which was mauled and Ru Byron slid in for a crucial try for Half Time and 12 5 .
The second half was a case of who was going to crack first.
Given the circumstances, a try to the home side would probably have seen them home. Instead Clontarf started to get the upper hand in the physical battle and the balance of penalties swung towards the visitors. As the game approached the final quarter Seni looked to be in after a great break by Matt Darcy was helped on by Josh Murphy, only for Seni to be stopped by a great defensive tackle in the corner. Tarf would not be denied and forced a penalty at the ensuing scrum. The tapped ball was carried to the line and after some pick and drive Ru Byron got in for his second which was converted smoothly by the ever cool Con Kelly for 12 12 and strap in for the big finish!
The last 10 minutes resembled a keystone cops movie with the action flying from end to end, the crowd getting more agitated by the minute, players losing composure, and the errors piling up.
Armagh looked to have gained crucial territory and position when Tarf fumbled in the backfield. Unfortunately, they transgressed at the scrum, conceded a penalty and as time ran out Tarf set off on the final phase build, which saw them earn a penalty for not releasing in the tackle in front of the home posts. Con slotted it with the last kick and Clontarf took the win 12 15.
The game was a comedy of errors in so many ways. Full credit to the substitutes who added the extra energy and punch to see the game through. Congrats to the ever youthful Dr Angus Lloyd, who stepped into the breach after receiving a call in Donegal. Oh how much I have missed the sight of Gus monstering a static ruck!! All joking aside, the replacements, the bench, and the guys who covered unfamiliar positions won that game. A brilliant effort. Thanks to all.