J1 League Match: Clontarf 54 Blackrock 3
By Mark Byrnes
Clontarf went to the top of the table (J1- Section A) with a comfortable win over a depleted Blackrock side at Castle Avenue on Monday night. Rock started the game with less than the full compliment and with no reserve players in tow.
Played on a calm but chilly night, Clontarf attacked the Castle Avenue end in the first half and were four converted tries up after twelve minutes. The tries coming from Colin Murphy, scrum half Erwan LeGendre and a brace from Conor Keegan.
Clontarf were reduced to 14 men, when centre Justin Wilson received a red card for retaliation as a spirited Blackrock side put the home defence under pressure despite their numercial disadvantage.
Blackrock’s solitary reward for their pressure was a penalty to leave it 35-3 at half time.
Clontarf could afford the luxury of emptying the subs bench to ensure all 20 players got a run.
Clontarf picked up from where they left off at the start of the second half with a try from winger Alan Kenny. Keegan completed his hat-trick seven minutes into the second half while flanker Glen Predy completed the rout with a fine score under the posts to seal a satisfactory night.