Clondalkin’s 2nd XV were left to rue an underwhelming 1st half performance in this narrow loss to Wanderers in the Leinster 2nds League, Division 1A, that was played in Gordon Park on Saturday 9th November. Playing into a strong breeze, a combination of uncharacteristic missed tackles and dropped balls by Clondalkin was heavily punished by a useful Wanderers outfit and Clondalkin found themselves 2 tries to nil and 14 points down at the break – all of which prompted a stern talking to during half-time by manager Alan Hickey. Having made a number of personnel changes including switching Ben Foran from full back to out half, Clondalkin responded in encouraging fashion after the break with James Kenny and John Walsh to the fore. Karl Horan got the first points on the board for the home side with a well taken try on the wing. However, Wanderers did not relinquish their lead easily and a successful penalty left them 17 – 5 ahead with time running out for Clondalkin. A John Walsh try, successfully converted and drop goal brought Clondalkin back into bonus point territory but it was too-little too late and Wanderers hung on for the win. This was only Clondalkin’s second loss of the league season which means they remain second in the table after Coolmine.
Clondalkin 2nds XV: T McGrath, J Kenny, K McMahon, R Dever, K Cullen, J Walsh, K O’Connor, G Black, B Berry, D Gaule, K Horan, B Mulloy, P Hickey, R FItzgerald, B Foran. Subs: C Tighe, C Cullen, J Murphy, O Brady, D Jebb.
Meanwhile, in the first every senior meeting between the clubs, table-toppers Wanderers were too strong for a brave Clondalkin side and took home the points winning 14 – 31 in the Leinster League Division 1A match held in Gordon Park.
