After a tight well fought game Clondalkin came through against a gallant Longford side 34-23. Longford started well and went into an early lead with a good try which was converted. In fact they were the better side in the first half. Clon fought back and exchanged scores with the visitors. A superb try by our No. 7, Neil Finlay put Clon into the lead for the first time at 18-13 midway through the second half. Both team exchanged penalties shortly after to make score 21-16, setting the scene for a nail biting final quarter. Another Chris Jebb penalty left score at 24-16 before Longford put the ball down in the corner for a try that was beautifully converted from the touch line to tighten the game to 24-23. Chris again kept up his fine kicking form with another penalty to put Clon four points ahead. Extreme pressure followed from Longford who got the ball over our line but were held up by great defending by the Clon pack. The game was locked up minutes later when a superb team breakout saw Mousie score for Clon and Chris again converted to make the game safe. Final Score was 34-23.
The Quarter Final draw made later gives us an away game against Skerries in mid March.
Well done to al the squad and coaching staff on another excellent (if nail biting) victory.
