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.
