Match Report: Bangor RFC 23 vs 10 Clondalkin, All-Ireland Junior Cup, 24 October 2015

For the second year in succession Clondalkin traveled north of the border for the first round of All-Ireland Junior Cup and despite putting in a strong performance against high-flying Bangor RFC, they were to return home empty handed. Qualification for the All-Ireland Cup is based on last season’s strong finish to the league campaign and gives junior clubs throughout the country an opportunity to play in an all-Ireland wide competition.

Bangor are the form team in Ulster Junior rugby but for the first 20 minutes of this first round fixture it was the Dublin men who were the team dominating both possession and territory, with the assistance of a slight wind. After 15 minutes, Clon won a kickable penalty which Captain Brian “Bruiser” Doyle chose run but Bangor scrambled their defense and managed to turn the ball over. Clon were on top in both the lineout and scrum but failed to transfer this advantage onto the scoreboard  – it was Bangor who scored a penalty kick, shortly followed by try in the corner from a 5-metre scrum to go into the break with a slender 8-0 lead.

With the wind now in their backs Bangor continued their momentum into the second half when after just 3 minutes their outhalf cut through to score to the right of the posts, extending the home teams lead to 13-0. Clon were spurred back into action and strong ball carrying from Derek Glennon, Brian Doyle and James Kenny made inroads into Bangor territory. Ali Collier touched down after an excellent break down the right wing to get Clon onto the scoreboard and with the conversion missed, the score stood at 13-5. However, this was as close as it got for Clon as just 6 minutes later, Bangor’s outhalf brushed off some attempted tackles to score his second try, this time under the posts which extended their lead to 20-5 following the successful conversion. To their credit, Clon didn’t let their heads drop and James Kenny scored Clon’s second try from a forward’s drive after winning a lineout in the Bangor 22. However, Bangor were too far ahead with time running out and they closed out the game with a penalty kick to leave the result 23-10. On the balance of play Bangor were value for their win but Clon will rue the number of occasions when the final pass didn’t go to hand.

On Sunday 25th October, Clondalkin’s 2nds XV kicked off their defense of the Lalor cup with an impressive home win against Newbridge, 30-12. The tries came from from Paul Hickey, Neil Finley, Podge Murphy and two from Thomas Ankers at scrum half.