Leading at the break after a strong first half performance, the loss of a number of players through injury in tandem with lapses in concentration saw Clondalkin slip to defeat to Coolmine in this Leinster Metro League Division 7 match that was played in Coolmine Rugby Club on Saturday 23rd November.
Colin Lyons put Clondalkin ahead 9 -6 at half time with 3 well struck penalties but they were unfortunate to lose the effective Conor McCrea before the break. The second half found Clondalkin defending the lead but they were unable to keep out two Coolmine tries which cost them the lead. Clondalkin mounted a spirited fightback which included Darren Moore scoring a pushover try after some excellent mauling work by the forwards. However, the clock was against Clondalkin and they were unable to claw back the lead, despite working hard until the final whistle and keeping Coolmine pinned back in their own half.
There were no complaints afterwards about the performance levels from Clondalkin, in particular the hard work of Ciaran Heaney from the base of the scrum but the loss of key players through injury cost the away side dearly and the lack of time put pay to their 2nd half revival. Next up for Clondalkin 3rds is an away fixture vs Stillorgan on Saturday 30th November.
