4th Team go down with valour

Article by Jonny Stapleton
Click on continue reading for the full match report.
Clondalkin 4ths (7) v Portlaois (23)

Unlike the return of the biblical prodigal son there was no big celebrations in Gordon Park last Sunday after a host of Clondalkin Rugby equivalents failed to secure victory from was effectively a fourth team taking to the field last Sunday morning to play Portlaois 3rd team.

Hero’s of the not so distant past and champions of the Gordon Park dinosaur age donned the yellow jersey once more but despite a brave performance couldn’t secure passage to the Speirs Cup final.

Veteran’s Paul Gifford, Mick O’Brien, Shane Dunne and Brian Lahan significantly added to the sides average age but rolled back the years to perform admirably. Underage stars from Kenny O’Brien’s first underage coaching role Ray Kelly and Alan Hickey made impressive returns to action. While members of probably Clon’s greatest ever side, the under-18 Leinster Champions and All Ireland finalists, Ged Nugent and Paul Gifford junior were also exceptional throughout.

Despite impressive an impressive performance however victory eluded the valiant home side.

The side that was literally patched together last minute found themselves under pressure from the off. Playing up a mountain like hill so steep there was snow in the opposition in-goal area they found themselves camped in their own 22. But what the side lacked in continuity it made up for in fight, as one to fifteen they tackled well and repelled the visiting onslaught.

Particularly impressive was the aptly named Razor Kelly who, when he wasn’t cutting through would be tacklers was leaving scars with massive hits. Unlike first team starlet Paul Nolan he may not have registered as many hits as You Tube, but his hit count was certainly up there with Happypig.com-45,000 a day and counting according to sources.

Alan Hickey was also impressive, his boot continually providing temporary reprieve for an overworked defense, but despite keeping constant Portlaoise advances at bay for over 30 minutes Clon fell behind.

They then eventually began to make inroads into the opposition half with impressive forward play. Nugent, Moorehead, Ken McMahon-playing his third game in two days-Kelly and Gifford junior in particular all impressed around the fringes but the hosts went in 15-0 trailing after what turned out to be a 50 minute first half.

With the steep hill and the sun at their backs after the turn Clon were optimistic of over turning the deficit. But just like the seconds the day previous it the hill didn’t come to Clon’s aid. Concession of an early second half try all but ended any hope of a home victory but the Gordon Park residence continued to battle.

Not even the introduction Mick O’Brien, who like his son Ferdi won a man of the match award the day previous, could inspire a Clon victory but the hosts gave a good account of themselves.

Clon eventually registered a deserved try, the scorer of which has to be confirmed by the dubious try committee. Gifford Junior took another go at the line from a tap penalty and with the bulk of 11 stone Ollie MeGraw behind him made it over the line. Who finally touched the ball down, however has yet to be confirmed with Gifford, MeGraw and McMahon all claiming the five points.

Clon went on to finish the game the stronger of the two and crossed the whitewash twice only to be deemed held up and in the end a gallant, brave and impressive performance went unrewarded.

Added by Murts February 18, 2009 (8:01AM)

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