On a bright and breezy Saturday, the Clonettes lined out on the pitch at Donnybrook Stadium to contest the Paul Flood Plate. As underdogs, having lost twice already this season to their opponents Suttonians, the team kicked off with a fine strike from Nicola Smyth. Collected cleanly, the first tackle was made instantly by Claire Winters, setting the tone for the game: hard hits and quick line speed.
As the crowd cheered on, Clondalkin continued to defend a strong attack from Suttonians, with Sarah Jane Masterson hitting the ankles of her counterpart and winning a penalty for not releasing. After a number of penalties from both sides for infractions at the breakdown, the Suttonian winger made a fine break down the wing where Elaine Matthews reconfirmed her alias of Beast, taking the winger out by the knees into touch in a magnificent all-or-nothing tackle just outside of the 22.
Back in possession, Sutton won another penalty for a high tackle and opting for the line-out, spotted an opportunity to cross the whitewash to get the first score of the game with just 8 minutes on the clock. The wide angle proved excessive for the conversion and Clondalkin quickly moved for the restart.
With strong attacking play, Clondalkin remained in possession just outside of Suttonians 22, and with an unfortunate spill, Suttonians retook possession, playing advantage. Clondalkin’s excellent defensive play was once again demonstrated, keeping Suttonians in their half and finally winning the ball back through a wonderful intercept from 2nd Row Niamh McDonnell who carried the ball back inside their 22. With continued strong runs from the back combination of Aine Heffernan and Sara Phelan, a number of penalties were awarded however a wide pass was intercepted leading to a long chase down the pitch by Siobhan Tierney-Mooney who managed to ensure the safety of the deadzone.
From the restart, Suttonians collected easily and after a number of tackles, found a gap in the line to add to their score through a try and conversion, now at 12-0. Moments later, Suttonians strong attack brought them back into the Clondalkin 22, and strong runs to the 10 meter line, a 3rd try was prevented by Sarah Jane Masterson who a forced forward pass from her tackle.
With just moments left in the half, quick play from Clondalkin and flash of hands opened the doors for Sara Phelan to run along the wing and score a try.
Coming back after half time with a score of 12-5, Clondalkin received the ball and marched up field with the help of a great kick from Siobhan Tierney-Mooney who hit touch just outside of the 22. With strong, continuous pressure in their 22, Clondalkin were unable to convert their efforts to points despite numerous penalties and infringements.
12 minutes into the second half saw impact player Melissa Kavanagh replace Niamh McDonnell, and immediately put in a number of tackles that helped Clondalkin to retake possession and run the ball back to the Suttonian 10. After a number of attacks, Clondalkin lost Aine Heffernan to injury which saw Louise Dixon take to the pitch and a penalty to Suttonians. After a long kick and functioning line out, Suttonians won a penalty for a high tackle, and with a quick tap, crossed the line to add 5 more points to the score board.
After a number of changes to introduce fresh legs, Vanessa O Shea and Sarah Jane Masterson partnered to complete strong carries, with Siobhan Tierney-Mooney eventually being fed the ball to score a wonderful try from a strike of Brid Holohans boot.
Within the final minutes of the game, Clondalkin again camped out in their opponents 10, but the final whistle was blown before the opportunity could be realised. Suttonians 17, Clondalkin 10.
