LANSDOWNE FC HAVE captured the Ulster Bank League title in the shadow of the Aviva Stadium following a 32-25 win over Clontarf.
Mike Ruddock’s side now have an insurmountable lead atop the UBL table after the tight victory over their cross-town Dublin rivals.
Clontarf took a 3-0 lead in the opening stages but tries from Sean Carey and Mark Roche of Lansdowne put the home side 14-3 ahead.
Advertisement
Craig Ronaldson, who converted both tries, added a drop goal but ‘Tarf had reason to believe a fightback was possible when Frank Hogan dived over for a try before the break.
A Richie Lane penalty for the visitors made it 17-13 before Clontarf hit the front with a try. Simon Crawford dotted down under the sticks and the conversion was simply made.
Ronaldson tied the scores at 20-20 with a penalty and gave the home supporters something to cheer.
Ruddock, the Ireland Under-20s head coach, urged his side on and was delighted with No. 8 Ron Boucher scored after a super shunt in an attacking scrum near the Clontarf line.
There was late drama as Clontarf ran in a superb try out after a break up the left flank but Lane missed the tying kick. His conversion struck a post to leave the score 27-25 and confirm the win for Lansdowne.
Great work from Ross McCarron and Roche in the closing stages led to a late, bonus score from replacement scrum-half Marcus Walsh.
There are two league games to play yet but the dominance displayed by Lansdowne all season has ensured the title race is now history.
Lansdowne clinch Ulster Bank League with victory over Clontarf
LANSDOWNE FC HAVE captured the Ulster Bank League title in the shadow of the Aviva Stadium following a 32-25 win over Clontarf.
Mike Ruddock’s side now have an insurmountable lead atop the UBL table after the tight victory over their cross-town Dublin rivals.
Clontarf took a 3-0 lead in the opening stages but tries from Sean Carey and Mark Roche of Lansdowne put the home side 14-3 ahead.
Craig Ronaldson, who converted both tries, added a drop goal but ‘Tarf had reason to believe a fightback was possible when Frank Hogan dived over for a try before the break.
A Richie Lane penalty for the visitors made it 17-13 before Clontarf hit the front with a try. Simon Crawford dotted down under the sticks and the conversion was simply made.
Ronaldson tied the scores at 20-20 with a penalty and gave the home supporters something to cheer.
Ruddock, the Ireland Under-20s head coach, urged his side on and was delighted with No. 8 Ron Boucher scored after a super shunt in an attacking scrum near the Clontarf line.
There was late drama as Clontarf ran in a superb try out after a break up the left flank but Lane missed the tying kick. His conversion struck a post to leave the score 27-25 and confirm the win for Lansdowne.
Great work from Ross McCarron and Roche in the closing stages led to a late, bonus score from replacement scrum-half Marcus Walsh.
There are two league games to play yet but the dominance displayed by Lansdowne all season has ensured the title race is now history.
She’s done it again! Miller hat-trick secures Sevens 1/4 Final with All Blacks
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Champions craig ronaldson domestic bliss Mike Ruddock railwaymen richie lane Rugby UBL ulster bank league