Tullamore hold onto top spot in Metro 6 with convincing win over Clontarf

Metro 6: Tullamore J3s: 44, Clontarf J3s: 7

Tullamore welcomed Clontarf to Spollanstown on Saturday for round 11 of the Metro League. Clontarf had won the reverse fixture in North Dublin back in October, so Tullamore would need to be at their best on home soil.

Conditions were less than ideal for a game of rugby. An East wind blew across the 1st pitch and into the stand, freezing the brave spectators that had turned up to cheer on the team. The ground was “sticky” underfoot.

Conditions didn’t dampen the spirit of Colin Hughes' team. Knowing a good start would be important, Tullamore came out firing. Cathal Feighery and Ben Hensey carrying well & creating the cracks for John Connolly to eventually crash over. 5.0.

Clontarf rolled up their sleeves at this point and enjoyed arguably their best period of the game. They got within 5 metres of the Tullamore try line twice, but the defence held up with the young back row combination of David Mann, John Dunican & Jake Kenny to the fore in halting the “Tarf” pick & drive.

After this period of pressure, Tullamore had the best of the exchanges for the rest of the half. The lively backline began to click with Jarleth Glynn & Colin Draper touching down for well worked tries. Dan Cronin provided the moment of the 1st half. After gathering a pass on the half way, he sent the Tarf full back for a bag of chips and galloped under the posts from 50 yards. 22.0 at the break with Rory lynch adding one conversion in a tough day for kickers.

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Tullamore kicked on in the 2nd half as the larger Tarf forwards began to wilt on the soft pitch.

The introduction of James Roe, Tadhg Dowdall and Adam Hughes brought a freshness to the Tullamore attack. Tries from Glynn, Draper, Feighery and Lynch put the game to bed.

Clontarf to their credit, added a late try to leave the score 44.7 at the final whistle.

It was great to welcome back Mucklagh man Darren Brady after an injury sustained in the Dunne Cup final last April.

Tullamore's lineout was to the fore with Feighery, Odhran Hickey and Connolly marshalling it well. John Dunican showed his qualities both sides of the ball, with several turn overs, along with abrasive carries and dominant tackles.

Halfbacks Draper and Hooper had an involvement in most that was good for Tullamore as did young centre Rory Lynch.

Jarlath Glynn was named man of the match. 3 tries, along with plenty of nice moments in defence and attack makes him a worthy recipient.

The J3s have a week off next week before they welcome Stillorgan - Rathfarnham to Spollanstown in 2 weeks time.