A combination of Clondalkin seconds and thirds got their season off to a battling start with a 5-5 draw at home to Clontarf on Saturday. With a large number of players on holidays over the weekend and a similar number yet to return from their summer hiatus, coach Philly Byrne managed to put together a strong on paper, hybrid team. However, a number of late withdrawals in the forwards forced some major reshuffling with backrow partners Derek Murtagh and Stephen McKenna moving to the second row while wingers Ian Murphy and Hugh McKenna became wing forwards for the first time in their life. If the missing second rows caused cause for concern it became more worrying when an unnamed apprentice backrow walked up exclaiming he ‘couldn’t be bothered togging out’.
Clondalkin knew it would be a long day at the office with the limited replacements and temperatures reaching mid 20’s. What at first appeared a difficult task became even more unenviable when Clontarf showed up with a squad of 30 players. However, the far from ideal preparation galvanised the players who took to the field. Clon got off to a promising start with forever young outhalf Steve Cunningham pulling the strings from 10. Clon spent much of the first ten minutes on the offensive. Clon were struck another blow when second row McKenna withdrew from play after reaching his three carries a game limit 12 minutes in.
This meant the introduction of rugby league convert Eoin Tallaght making a return to Clondalkin colours after a long absence. Clon upped the ante and were awarded a 5 metre penalty after Paul Gifford junior was fouled just shy of the line. A tap and go from Derek Murtagh seen the second row drive to within inches of the line. The code may have changed since he last played but Ken McMahon showed he’s well able to rob a try when the prop picked and dropped for what must have been the easiest try of his career.
Clondalkin continued on the offensive for the remainder of the first third and were unlucky not to have captain and second centre Eoin Delaney add to Kens try. The break came just in time for Clontarf who were able to compose themselves and steady the ship into the second third. They attacked relentlessly and it took brave defending from Ian Murphy, Hugh McKenna, Joseph Lovett and Patrick Adeleye to repel the onslaught. A special mention goes to young scrum half James Murphy who put his body between the ball and the ground not once but twice when it appeared Clontarf had crossed the line. The man who likes to be known as Sinkie put in a promising all round display in his first game at this level.
Clondalkin found themselves at near breaking point throughout the second third but the team displayed courage and resolve that was missing from the third team squad last year with the leadership of Eoin Delaney on display throughout the game. Clons biggest chance of the second third came with former Mr August Steve Cunningham taking the hard way towards the line with a mammoth carry into the Clontarf forwards. Cunningham broke through three defenders and presented quick ball that was ready to be spread wide for a certain try. However, the force of his carry left a player needing urgent medical attention and the referee correctly blew the game up. Clon were happy to hear the whistle that brought the end to the second third.
The last third of the game was played very similar to the second with Clondalkin defending bravely throughout. Clon had the chance to win the game when Hugh McKenna won a penalty directly under the sticks. In the spirit of the friendly Cunningham kicked to touch rather than taking the certain three points. This proved costly at Clon were unable to secure the ball and found themselves back under pressure. The game entered the closing minutes with Clontarf getting more and more desperate to find their redeeming score. Sinkie again came to the rescue holding up their number 8 over the line in what appeared to be the last play of the game. However, the ref had a clear understanding of the rules and indicated that the game could not end this way and blew for a scrum. Clondalkin hearts were broken in the last play of the game with the 8 powering over to bring the score to 5-5. Both teams had engaged in a physical contest and it was a warm gesture from Clontarf when they opted to deliberately miss the kick to see the game end as a draw. Both teams will have been happy to clear the cobwegs and big displays from McKenna, Adebeye, Sink Murphy, Ian Murphy and Colin Lyons will see them all knocking on the door of the second team for the coming season.
(with thanks to Murts)
