Byrne and McGrath put Clontarf on top

CLONTARF 24 ST MARY’S COLLEGE 13

02 November 2013

                    Early second-half tries from replacement hooker Bryan Byrne and right-wing Michael McGrath proved decisive at Castle Avenue as Clontarf climbed to the top of AIL Division 1A.

Out-half David Joyce gave ‘Tarf the lead with a penalty but Mary’s restored parity 19 minutes in when Gavin Dunne slotted a kick.

Dunne split the posts again after 27 minutes but Joyce hit back to ensure the side’s went in level at half-time at 6-6.

An early charge upon the resumption yielded a converted try for Byrne moments after his introduction and then McGrath crossed at the end of a memorable run.

St Mary’s fought back through a Steve Toal-Lennon try and the deficit was down to five. But further Joyce penalties steadied the nerves for Clontarf.

CLONTARF – D Fitzpatrick; M McGrath, E Ryan, K Lett, M McFarland; D Joyce, S Cronin; I Hirst, C Culleton (B Byrne h-t), K Donoghue; B Reilly, E Browne (A D’Arcy 27); S Crawford, K Moran, T Ryan.

ST MARY’S COLLEGE – D Hudson; C Lilly, R Hudson, M Sexton, C Hogan; G Dunne (S Toal-Lennon 46), M D’Arcy; C McMahon (B McGovern 69-80), D Fawsitt, B McGovern (A Lyons 60); D Frawley (P Starrett 40), C Ruddock; G Austen, B O’Flanagan, K Sheahan.