Clontarf top in Division 3

CLONTARF hosted Dublin University in Division 3 of the Women’s League last Sunday with revenge on their minds. It was the first game of the year for both teams and the second time they had met, with Dublin University winning their autumn home game against Clontarf.

With 13-a-side, Dublin University were first to put points on the board with a try late in the second half by outside centre Niamh O’Kelly Lynch.

Clontarf pulled ahead with a try by Donnla O’Hagan, converted by Heather Byrne. They were down to 12 players soon into the second half, as Emma Burns was sent to the sin bin. However, tighthead prop and captain Cleo Hughes managed to put the home side seven points up until their side was restored to 13 players.

Clontarf were quick to add to their lead with a quick try by No 8 Rebecca Sullivan and by left wing Fiona Tuite to bring them 19 points ahead of their visitors.

Twenty minutes into the second half, though, Dublin University found their fighting spirit with a second Fiona Tuite try, converted by loosehead

prop and team captain Molly Boyne.

A penalty gave Clontarf’s Heather Byrne the opportunity to put another three points between them and their visitors. Five minutes later, Donnla O’Hagan scored her second try of the game to further stretch the lead to 20 points.

Dublin University responded quickly with a try by inside centre Ciara Grogan, again converted by Molly Boyne. Clontarf weren’t finished however and Rebecca Sullivan added to her points. Within the final minute Dublin University secured their bonus point with another try by Niamh O’Kelly Lynch. These points closed out the game with a final scoreline of 37-24 to Clontarf.

Both teams have only a small number of games left in the 2017/’18 League before the teams prepare for the cup and are both still actively recruiting new players.