A DRAMATIC converted try by Philip Brophy in second-half stoppage time proved decisive as home side St Mary’s College continued their good form with a narrow 22-20 victory over Clontarf.
St Mary’s were on top early in this exciting Dublin derby, and their relentless pressure finally paid off when hooker Richard Sweeney crossed the line and outhalf Gavin Dunne converted.
Their lead was increased to 12 points when replacement Jack McGrath, brought on for Sweeney’s brother Rob at an early stage, got in for his side’s second try. Things were looking ominous for the Castle Avenue men but they soon got a grip on proceedings when No 8 Frank Cogan finished off a fine move on 31 minutes for a try that was converted by Richie Lane.
Mary’s had the final say of the half though, as a penalty from Dunne gave them a 15-7 mid-way advantage. Another place-kick from Lane cut into Mary’s lead on 58 minutes and ‘Tarf then took the lead for the first time three minutes later when Lane got a try of his own, which he also converted.
The tails of the North Dublin men were now up, and it looked like they had sealed victory when Lane registered his second penalty with two minutes of normal time remaining. Mary’s had other ideas, and a try at the death from Brophy, and a conversion from the influential Dunne, gave them a most memorable victory, their fifth of the campaign.