Clondalkin RFC got their season off to a flying start with a comprehensive 65-0 win over Garda RFC and in doing so defended the Paul Caffrey memorial cup. The game marked the 10 year anniversary of the death of Clondalkin clubman, Garda Paul Caffrey and the massive turnout of supporters shows the esteem in which the great man is held.
Clon started the game in spirited fashion and it was fitting when Caff’s friend and former teammate Colm Tighe intercepted a lapse Garda pass 30m out. Tiggy showed he still has some gas for an old and powered towards the line only to be hauled down as he appeared to cross the line. The Garda defence smothered the ball and it was impossible for the ref to award the try, although pictures would later emerge showing Tiggy did ground the ball. Nonetheless Clon were awarded a 5m scrum and it took 3 defenders to stop the powerful No 8 Simon King after his pick and go from the base. Dar Madden was the beneficiary with Kenju barrelling over from 1 metre out.Clon were starting to get in their groove with Chris Jebb pulling the strings from 10 ably supported by Thomas Ankers at 9. Next up on the score sheet was Simon King showing speed to match his power as he raced towards the line after bursting through two defenders. Jebber, playing inside the new centre of John Nolan and Massimo Scaramella, was clearly getting frustrated with the inability to get the ball past the 12 channel and threw a skip ball to the pacey Italian who showed plenty of potential when given the ball in open field. Massimo’s break put the Garda defence on the backfoot and a quick recycle ball allowed Jebb open up his try scoring account for the season.
Stephen ‘Straighjacket’ McKenna had made a bright start to the game and was beginning to put down a marker to retain the number 6 jersey next Sunday in Naas but his lung bursting display seen him needing to be removed after 25 minutes. This change seen the introduction of Karl Jebb who put in a controlled display at the office suggesting we may have a more matured Karl this year. He will be many peoples early favourite for player of the year if he can continue to deliver controlled aggression week in week out.
Halftime came and Clondalkin were leading 40-0. The comfortable lead allowed Coach Philip Byrne a chance to give a large number of last year’s second and third team players an opportunity with Matt Waters and Bobby Smith showing they are ready to stake a claim for first team action this year. Clondalkin started the second half where they had left off in the first and were straight on the attack. A mazey run from Simon King saw the number 8 pick and go from the Clondalkin 22 and almost pull off a remarkable length of the pitch effort only to stopped shy of the line. Clon were awarded a 5m scrum and this time a Dave Gaule inspired backline move saw Podge Murphy scoring the try of the night with Butcher Beresford contributing with some great off the ball running.
Luke Sweetman then became provider drawing the last defender before feeding fellow second row Matt Waters who was able to fall to the ground from five metres out and still be able to stretch his hand and ground the ball. Colm Tighe made up for not being awarded a try earlier in the game scoring a try from around the fringes which can only be described as trademark Tiggy. Final score 65-0.
Captain Chris Jebb had this to say after the game ‘This was a fitting tribute to Caf. It is the responsibility of the younger guys to keep this game going now. Those who do not know Caff will no doubt have heard stories about him and they played with passion and commitment out there that was fitting of him. It’s a special game for all involved and we would like to thank the Garda for taking part again tonight’.
(with thanks to Murts).
