UL could be forgiven for feeling a little aggrieved on their long journey home after an afternoon of endeavour was rewarded with 0 points. Pundits and ex players always speak about the simmering tension between backs and forwards given that, according to legend, the forwards (men) do all the work and the backs (girls) get all the glory. The downside to all of this was clearly seen on Saturday in Castle Ave as a sterling effort by the UL pack came to naught due to the efforts of a well organised Clontarf defence along with some unfortunate lack of accuracy from the visitor’s backline.
UL Bohs dominated territory and possession for the bulk of the game but were effectively undone in the first half when after 22 minutes they attempted to manufacture a screen move involving dummy runs in midfield. Unfortunately for the attackers it was all a little bit slow and predictable so when the killer pass was thrown it was gratefully gobbled up by the Clontarf winger Keating who had read the move from a distance and was touching down under the posts faster than you could say interception. 14 minutes later a dropped pass in midfield was booted through in Munster style by flanker Eoin Cremen and centre Henry Bryce followed up with a deft kick and chase to score. Number 10 Dufficy converted both tries for 14 0 at half time.
The second half continued where the first had left off and this time UL got some reward with a good score after a deft kick through on 45 minutes. On 67 minutes Keating got a second after an overcooked kick through got a fortunate deflection off someone’s behind which killed the ball dead for the chasing winger. O’Shea converted for 21 5.
All credit to UL who continued to play despite the deficit and they were rewarded with a score from no 8 Essex near the posts at the death for 21 12 final score.
Next up is a visit to Stradbrook on Sat 23rd for the next instalment of the battle in the ‘League of Death’. Currently there are 3 teams effectively out on their own at the top of the league and five teams below them in a struggle to avoid the drop. Do not be surprised if points differential becomes a deciding factor in final day placings.