Clontarf pip Lansdowne to maintain their lead in Division 1A

Michael McGrath’s ninth try of the season proved crucial in helping Clontarf record an eight successive victory (16-13) to stay top of the Division 1A of the Ulster Bank League at Castle Avenue on Saturday.

The prolific wing struck in the 64th minute, cutting inside three defenders to go over to the right of the posts. Out-half David Joyce’s conversion left Clontarf 16-6 in front.

Lansdowne were down to 14 men following the sin-binning of wing Cian Aherne, but somehow they quickly responded with a well-taken try by centre Mark Roche, converted by Scott Deasy, to reduce the deficit to 16-13.

Once back to their full compliment, Lansdowne piled on the pressure but the Clontarf defence stood firm to gain a crucial victory which keeps them one point ahead of second-placed Old Belvedere at the league’s’ halfway stage.

Three tries from Steve Crosbie, Peter Robb and Jack Conan enabled Old Belvedere to beat Dolphin 22-10 at Musgrave Park and maintain their position of second spot .

Dolphin had tries from Darren Sweetnam and John Quill to but trailed 12-10 at the interval .

Young Munster moved up to third, following an excellent 16-10 away success over Cork Constitution. Once again, the accurate goalkicking of Brian Haugh proved vital. Haugh landed three penalties and also converted a try from Colin Liston. Cork Con, who led 7-0 early on, replied with a try from Conor Desmond and a conversion and a penalty by Johnny Holland.

The hero

UCD drop to fifth following their surprise 32-26 defeat by Ballynahinch at Belfield. Out-half Richie Lobb contributed 22 points for the Ulster side with the boot, their tries coming from John Madden and David McIlwaine.

UCD had three tries from Andy Boyle, Kieran Moloney and Donagh Lawler. Despite the win, Ballynahinch remain in second last spot in the table.

But they are now 12 points clear of the bottom side Garryowen whose position looks pretty hopless following their latest 24-15 defeat at the hands of St Mary’s College at Dooradoyle.

Full-back Darren Hudson was very much the hero for St Mary’s, scoring two tries, with the Leinster wing Darragh Fanning getting another. Gavin Dunne’s boot was responsible for rhe remainder of the points while Garryowen could only manage five penalties from Jamie Gavin.

Corinthians remain in second spot in Division IB behind runaway leaders Terenure College following a 10-3 home victory over bottom side Malone. John Burns scored ther game’s only try.

UL Bohemians are third after coming from 21-7 down to beat Blackrock College 24-21 at Stradbrook. In the remaining game, Belfast Harlequins defeated Dungannon 13-3 at Stevenson Park..