Clondalkin’s 2nd string saved their best performance of the season for this Leinster 2nds League Division 1A clash, held in Gordon Park on Saturday 7th December. The first 20 minutes of this match was a relatively tight affair – Clondalkin were guilty of missing a number of tackles and Newbridge converted 3 penalties which turned out to be their only points of the match. However, with dry conditions underfoot and little wind to speak of, Clondalkin began to make inroads with some fine running rugby and had the 4-try bonus point wrapped up by half-time. The 2nd half was completely one-way traffic for the Dublin men when the hard-work on the training pitch paid off in spectacular style and the scoreboard began to tick over quicker than the referees watch. John Nolan scored a hat-trick of tries; Karl Horan and Owen Delaney grabbed a brace each, with Dave Gaul and James Kenny also crossing the whitewash. Conor McCrea, making his debut for the 2nd team, played with energy and determination throughout and was ably assisted by Rob Deverell and Colm Tighe in what was an excellent pack performance.
Clondalkin 2nds sit third in the table coming into the New Year with just 6 points separating them from Coolmine in top spot. Next up is the Lawlor Cup Final which will be played at home against Portlaoise at 12.00pm on Sunday 29th December. No doubt there will be a number of selection headaches for Clondalkin management on the basis of this excellent performance against Newbridge.
Clondalkin 1sts were beaten at home by Newbridge 1st XV 19 vs 23 but picked up a losing bonus point and sit 4th in the table over the Christmas break. Revenge is however on the menu as they meet Newbridge again on Sunday 29th December in the Hosie Cup Final as part of the double header with the Lawlor Cup FInal. Kick-off is 2:00pm in Gordon Park.
