Ulster Bank League: Division 1A Review - GARRYOWEN vs CLONTARF

GARRYOWEN 10 CLONTARF 39, Dooradoyle

Clontarf cut loose at Dooradoyle on Saturday afternoon to run out 39-10 winners over Garryowen and move into second place in the Division 1A standings.

The defending champions are now in possession of a home semi-final berth after Young Munster fell to fourth following their slip-up at home to Dublin University.

In-form number 8 Michael Noone's try just before half-time saw 'Tarf take a 10-3 lead, with Garryowen captain Neil Cronin swapping penalties with David Joyce.

A converted effort from out-half Dave McCarthy had the Light Blues level in the 48th minute, however the north Dubliners really took over after that.

They ran in four tries in the final half an hour, beginning with talismanic centre Matt D'Arcy's eighth of the campaign. D'Arcy is one of five 'Tarf players in the Ireland Club International squad to play England Counties on Friday.

Out-half Joyce landed a penalty on the hour mark and converted young full-back Jack Power's try five minutes later. Replacement Cian O'Donoghue followed up with the bonus point score and captain Ben Reilly reached over in the 74th minute to complete the rout.

Garryowen's fifth defeat in six games leaves them in a precarious position in eighth, just four points off the bottom of the table.