Clontarf Triumphs in Leinster Senior Cup

Photo Credit: leinsterrugby.ie

Clontarf Rugby Club celebrated a fantastic victory at the Bank of Ireland Leinster Senior Cup final held at Energia Park on Saturday. Clontarf emerged as the champions with a 19-17 win over Lansdowne, marking their first Leinster Senior Cup title in ten years.

CLONTARF 19 – LANSDOWNE 17

In an exciting match, Clontarf faced Lansdowne in a closely contested game. Lansdowne initially took the lead with a try from Juan Beukes, converted by Stephen Madigan. However, Clontarf quickly responded. A clever play from Louis Reilly and a strong scrum led to a try by Fionn Gilbert, with Conor Kelly adding the conversion to level the score.

Clontarf then built on their momentum, with a well-worked lineout allowing Dylan Donnellan to score and Kelly converting to give Clontarf a 14-7 lead. Both teams played solid defense, making it tough for either side to score. Lansdowne managed to close the gap with a penalty before halftime.

The second half saw Lansdowne briefly take the lead with a try from Ruairi Clarke, but Clontarf’s determination shone through. Aaron Coleman scored a crucial try, putting Clontarf back in front at 19-17. Despite Lansdowne’s efforts to find a late score, Clontarf held on to secure the win and the cup.

Scorers:

• Clontarf: F Gilbert, D Donnellan, A Coleman (tries); C Kelly (2 conversions)
• Lansdowne: J Beukes, R Clarke (tries); S Madigan (penalty, conversion); S McMahon (conversion)

Teams:

• Clontarf: N Sheridan; J McKeown, V Allen, T Bird, S Reilly-Ashiru (P Maher 68); C Kelly, L Reilly (W Reilly 68); C Ward (A Amianampong 50), D Donnellan (B Gray 65), B Griffin (C Bateman 55), F Gilbert, J Peters, O Walsh (R Whelan 46), A Coleman, J Vinson.
• Lansdowne: R Hedderman; C Redmond (J Kenny 64), R Parata (A Marks 60), H O’Riordan, S Galvin; S Madigan (S McMahon 50), T Brophy (C Eddy 50); J Cahir (B Popplewell 56), J Treanor (C Poole 56), G McGrath (T Connolly 56), C McMenamin (R Clarke 50), J Beukes, J Hamel-Cooke, L Molony (B Popplewell 37 – temp, P Wilson 64), H van Eeden.

Referee: S Holt, IRFU