By Kevin O’Siochain
Cork Con clung on in the end to record a narrow home victory despite a late Clontarf surge. Heavy overnight rain cast the fixture in some doubt but the teams enjoyed perfect playing conditions at a pristine Temple Hill. The final result, in a match where the teams were never more than a score apart, was a disappointing return for the Clontarf players and support alike.
A cagey start from both teams resulted in a scoreless and nervy first quarter. Con failed to convert a number of early penalties before Tarf’s Martin Dufficy broke the deadlock with the games opening try. Fullback Philip Howard counter attacked well from deep to provide an excellent attacking platform. A ferocious clear out of the resulting ruck by no.8 Martin Garvey provided the quick ball necessary for Dufficy to breach the Con defense. Con responded in kind as winger Richie Lane touched down in the corner before adding a penalty to lead 8-5 at the break.
On an whole the set piece spoils were shared equally between the teams. Clontarf for their part enjoyed a superior and dominant scrum for much of the afternoon. In contrast Cork Con exploited a malfunctioning Clontarf line-out and secured the majority of ball on their own throw. Con full back Daragh Lyons was in excellent form, varying his game well, while maintaining top class positioning all afternoon. Similarly Simon Crawford’s contribution was outstanding for Tarf. Highly effective in the loose his authority under the high ball from the restart was immense.
Inconsistent and poor marshalling of the breakdown area harshly penalized a Clontarf side willing to spread the ball. Tarf’s tight five in particular showed tremendous skill and determination to keep the ball alive. Second guessing the referees’ interpretation of the contact area however became a lottery for both sides. Frustration reached boiling point as Tarf’s Martin Garvey was sin-binned in the second half having competed aggressively on the ground for the ball.
At 11-5 down and a man light Clontarf rallied to produce arguably the game’s best passage of play. Intelligent support play and good offloading across the Clontarf backline forced Con onto the back foot. Simon Crawford forced his way over from close range to complete a sweeping move spanning 50 meters and the width of the pitch. Having traded penalties the tie was left finely balanced at 14-15.Tarf looked certain to seize the ascendancy until a break-away try against the run of play handed the momentum back in favor of the Leesiders. Dufficy kept the visitors within touching distance to set up a nail-biting finish as Clontarf went all out for the win. Henry Bryce, highly effective on the wing, saw his last gasp effort to cross the Con line dashed when bundled into touch at the final whistle. Ultimately Clontarf’s late efforts fell agonizingly short of victory.
With early frontrunners St Mary’s and Blackrock both suffering defeats a Clontarf win here could have put an altogether different complexion on their current league standing. Tarf’s remaining home fixtures are crucial if they are to keep pace with the chasing pack of play-off hopefuls. Next up for Clontarf is St Mary’s in the semi-final Leinster League this Saturday at Castle Avenue.