Last Sunday afternoon in atrocious conditions Clondalkin J1’s entertained Railway Union RFC in a vital Leinster League 2A decider. Entering the game Clon were a point ahead of nearest rivals Cill Dara RFC and needed a win to clinch the league trophy and very importantly get promotion to the Division 1A League.
So the pressure was on and Clon responded magnificently, within ten minutes following good pressure Clon got in for the opening try. Shortly afterwards Niall Nolan scored a second try in the corner. The third try was a pushover try to bring the score to 22-0. This settled the nerves and Clon settled in to dominate the rest of the game. Brian (Bruiser) Doyle scored the fourth try ten minutes into the second half. A great break shortly afterwards by Bruiser led to a a good support try by Tom Brady. Chris Jebb and club captain – Mikey Russell both scored a try apiece. Once the fourth try was scored the bonus point was assured and Clon went on to win by 41-0. This on top of the result of the previous league game away to New Ross RFC where Clon won 92-0 showed how good the defence of the team was. Over the course of the league Clon kept four clean sheets. the game started in rain & sleet and conditions worsened as the second half started with snow and sleet making handling difficult. A large crowd of hardy supporters cheered on their teams in spite of the weather.
The Clondalkin J2’s received a walkover in their scheduled game and finisher as champions of their League. They had a magnificent 100% record in their league winning all of the games under the astute captaincy of Kev Dunphy and the assured kicking skills of the veteran Stevie Cunningham.
The excellent Coaching and Management of all the teams led by Head Coach – Philly Byrne was evident in the performances which ended the League season on this high note.
The trophy for the J1 League was presented to Club Captain – Mikey Russell by the incoming President of Leinster Branch of the IRFU – Mr Robert Deacon. The celebrations in the clubhouse commenced immediately afterwards and went on for some considerable time.
