The second half began in a torrential downpour that had everyone scrolling their phones for Noah’s number. In the circumstances, Clontarf’s handling skills were off the scale and when held up on the line they had the resolve to come again.
Two surges from Sam Owens and Niall Smyth got close and when Con infringed by the posts the tap and go set it up for Fionn to add a second try. That brought the score to 3 14 and Tarf were getting stronger in the murk.
Con Kelly added a penalty for 3 17 and, as the game headed into the final 15 minutes, the home side we’re looking for some divine providence. It came in the shape of Alan Spicer who emptied the Con out half with, what appeared to be a well-timed tackle, but which was deemed late by the officials
That brought Con into the Tarf 22, where their first effort at the scrum was monstered backwards for a turnover and their second effort at the lineout maul was turned over by brilliant work from man of the match Fionn Gilbert.
That was pretty much it. In the circumstances, power and efficiency was the winner.
Special mention to the two centres Fahy and Cooney who were brilliant on both sides of the ball. A day like Saturday creates a target-rich environment for players, who like to defend – and boy did they do a job ! It was like a shooting range at a carnival. We all know Cooney can play but Fahy defended like the thing from the shadows. Utterly intimidating wallop after wallop. Enough to warm the cockles if your heart on a stormy day !