The U20s went into their Christmas break undefeated after a fine win away to last years League winners at Castle Avenue.

Played in Baltic-like conditions, a good-sized traveling support saw Lansdowne kick off into a strong wind.

Having retained possession from the start, Mark Boyle outsmarted the ‘Tarf defence by running straight through an unguarded ruck to go in unopposed and put Lansdowne ahead . Stephen Madigan converted.

Lansdowne fumbled the restart inside their own 22 and there then followed a series of Clontarf attacks on our line, each one well defended. After holding out for 15 minutes Lansdowne then broke out, carrying and handling well in the poor conditions, before Mark Boyle again outfoxed ‘Tarf by breaking straight through another ruck before putting winger Sean Wafer in under the posts. Stephen Madigan converted again to leave Lansdowne 14-0 up , playing against the elements.

Lansdowne were being penalised heavily at scrum time, even though our pack seeming to dominate there. Clontarf repeatedly kicked to the corners, but their pack were denied by a resilient Lansdowne defense. The Northsiders then converted two penalties to leave the score at 14-6 at half time.

Playing with the wind is sometimes harder than playing against it, and this proved to be true here. Both teams were going hard at it now, each throwing everything into attack. Lansdowne eventually extended the score when Stephen Madigan  beautifully struck a penalty in a strong wind from out wide. With the game closing, Lansdowne were in control now and extended the score with another Stephen Madigan penalty before the referee blew up.

Thanks to all the sizeable Lansdowne support who travelled  yesterday.

Next up is UCD on January 19th in Belfield Bowl, where they will try and retain the Dr. John Craig Cup.

Match Report: Mark McMahon

Season: 2019-20

Match Details: Leinster Rugby JP Fanagan (U20) – Premier 1 Round 8: Clontarf FC v Lansdowne FC

Venue: Castle Avenue

Date: Sunday 8th December 2019

Score: Clontarf 6 Lansdowne FC 20

Tries: Mark Boyle, Sean Wafer Conv: Stephen Madigan (2), Pen: Stephen Madigan (2)

Man of The Match: Mark Boyle

Match Photos: Aidan Wafer