Following on from the 5-5 draw at home to Clontarf two weeks ago, a mix of Clondalkin seconds and thirds players took on a repeat fixture last Saturday, this time away to the same opposition. Bolstered by the return of the dynamic Marcus Doyle and overly energetic Karl Jebb, not to mention the long awaited return of Dave Gilmore, Clondalkin emerged victors by a score of 24-7.
The game was always going to be a forward tussle given that it was played in rainy conditions on the all weather pitch so the addition of 3 experienced pack members proved invaluable in the game. Clon got off to a fiesty start with Kev Dunphy and new recruit Chris Blightwell making telling hits early on. Clons first try came courtesy of a Marcus Doyle break from the base of the scrum. The Doyle’s powerful carry was stopped just shy of the line but he was able to offload sublimely to the supporting Steve Cunningham who went over unopposed for the opening score.
Clons second followed shortly afterwards with Karl Jebb benefitting from a Dave Gilmore steal at lineout time. Gilmore flicked the ball to Jebb who handed off the number 8 at the tail of the lineout and ran over a despairing Clontarf 10 on his way to the line. If the try itself was impressive then the fact Jebb gave running commentary throughout the whole move was a thing of beauty. It seemed as though the floodgates were about to open but a combination of Clontarf stepping up to the plate in defence and Clondalkin becoming lazy in attack meant that Clondalkin would take a lead of 14-0 into the break. The biggest cheer of the first half came with the reintroduction of former underage standout Graham Gallagher was who part of Kenny O’Brien’s all conquering underage team five minutes before the break and was making his return after a number of years break.
Coach Ciaran Cullen opted to rest the hard tackling wing forward combination of Jebb and Derek Murtagh and introduce some of his replacement bench. This paved the way for Clontarf to renter the game as Clondalkins defence fell asleep immediately after the restart. The ref blew for a Clondalkin player blocking Clontarf tacklers at the kickoff and awarded a penalty on the 22. The Clontarf number 8 profited from a sleeping defence and took a quick tap to go over unopposed to bring the score to 14-7. Cullen immediately reintroduced Jebb and his hard edge immediately settled the team.
Dave Gilmore wanted to make an impression on his return to Clondalkin colours and his eye catching display nearly resulted in him getting a well deserved try. The Tipperary native found himself in space on the left wing after demonstrating the evasive techniques of a guard chasing a shoplifter down O’Connell street, with him jinking his way around two would be tacklers. Gilmore was left with a two on one with the fullback and selflessly drew the defender and popped the ball to Thomas Duffy Junior who went over for a well worked try.
With 15 minutes left in the game coach Phily Byrne knew the game was wrapped up and decided it was time to experiment at scrumhalf. First up it was prop Kev Dunphy replacing Darach Finegan. This experiment lasted 5 minutes before Joey Lovett was dropped in. A wayward pass from Lovett found its way into the hands of centre Darren Madden who ran through the Clontarf defence on his way to scoring his first senior try. Madden has been experimenting with the backrow for the past two seasons but his try has all but secured him a starting berth in the centres for the rest of the year. (A lot of credit must go to his U11 coach who developed his elusive running style). Lovetts wayward pass however seen him been removed and replaced by Johnny Flanagan who closed the game out in a secure fashion. Final score 24-7.
(thanks to Murts)
