INSPIRED by former Irish international fullback Ciaran Clarke, Terenure College claimed third place in division one by virtue of this convincing triumph over Lansdowne at Lakelands Park.
Playing in the unfamiliar role of outside-half, Clarke was outstanding throughout for the hosts who thus maintained their 100 per cent record against Leinster opposition this season.
Indeed, had it not been for their poor record against Limerick clubs (their four defeats came against Young Munster, Shannon, Old Crescent and Garryowen)" Terenure would now be celebrating the title.
With St Mary's losing to Dungannon, Lansdowne still managed to take the runners-up slot, pipping Terenure on points difference.
Terenure made a bright start to this game with Michael Smyth getting in for a try on 11 minutes following a good break from Paul Hennebry.
Having weathered the early storm, Lansdowne began to improve and were rewarded with two penalties from Eric Elwood in the 21st and 24th minutes.
The home side then lost the services of Hennebry with a hand injury which forced them to reshuffle the back nine. Clarke moved to outside-half with Girvan Dempsey switching to fullback and replacement Peter Walsh coming on to the left wing.
Terenure did not let this affect them in the slightest and they deservedly reclaimed the lead on the stroke of half time. Scrum-half Derek Hegarty landed a penalty following a late tackle by Robert Becker on David Coleman to give the hosts a two-point advantage at the interval.
They stretched the lead to 11-6, seven minutes into the second half thanks to a beautifully struck drop, goal from fully 45 metres by Clarke.
Walshe then sprinted in for an excellent try after a marvellous run and pass by Dempsey. Hegarty added the conversion to make it 18-6.
Lansdowne got back into the game shortly afterwards when scrum-half David O'Mahony scored in the corner from a quickly taken penalty.
But Terenure responded almost immediately and another Hegarty penalty left them 10 points in front going into the final quarter.
Joe Kelly made victory secure by powering over for Terenure's third try five minutes from the end.
