Irish rugby fans are sadly familiar with last minute heartbreak after the November international against the All Blacks. Unfortunately Clondalkin rugby supporters are getting used to the same feeling after their second away defeat in succession was decided by the last kick of the game. Clondalkin started this local derby against Coolmine brightly with a well taken Mark Molloy try after a break down the blind side but Coolmine responded almost immediately to tie the match 5 all. Karl Jebb continued his recent impressive scoring form for Clondalkin after breaking a tackle in midfield and running 40 metres to touch down. After a successful conversion, Clondalkin 12 -5 at the break, a lead which Coolmine brought back to 12 – 11 after two successful penalties in the early period of the second half. With just over 5 minutes on the clock, the Clondalkin backs scored what could be a candidate for try of the season with Niall Nolan dissecting the Coolmine centres before off-loading to Ali Collier, but unfortunately the conversion drifted wide. Clondalkin were ahead 17 -11 with time running out for Coolmine, but their strong scrum were putting the away side under serious pressure and were camped on the 5-metre line. After Clondalkin conceded a series of penalties and had a player sent to the sin bin, the referee awarded a penalty try under the posts, which was converted for Coolmine to take the tie by the narrowest of margins, 18-17.
The bonus point picked up for Clondalkin keeps them 3rd in a very congested table with just 4 points separating them and Cill Dara in 8th and last place. The final match before the New Year takes place this coming Saturday 7th December at 2:00pm when 5th place Newbridge are the visitors to Gordon Park.
