1st Team Report: Portarlington 23 vs Clondalkin 17

Clondalkins 1st emerged from a tough encounter with a consolation loosing bonus point against Portarlington at the weekend. A poor start saw Port take the driving seat from an early stage following two soft tries the worst of which was conceded following the charge down of a Gary Donnelly kick.

A first minute Chris Jebb penalty gave Clon the lead. Port levelled with a penalty before a lazy kick from Donnelly handed Port a try which allowed them to go 10-3 up. Minutes later Port had a second after some good hands in the backs saw them go over for the 2nd try of the game to take the score to 17-3.

An anihilation looked on the cards but a few stern words from Dan Fitzpatrick forced Clondalkin to wake up. Clondalkin started applying severe pressure on the Portarlington defense causing a mistake which allowed Gary Donnelly go over for a redeeming try.

A scuffle erupted just before half time resulting in Paul Nolan going to the bin. Port were awarded a penalty which allowed them to go into the break 20-10 up.

Port edged further ahead at the start of the second half with another penalty making it 23-10 in their favour. From then on Clondalkin dominated the game. Brian Doyle went over for a try in the corner to bring the score to 23-17. Clondalkin had numerous chances to register a 3rd try but resolute Port defending forced errors at the crucial times. The game ended 23-17.

Club captain Dan Fitzpatrick had this to say to Clondalkin, "Right, We lost the game in the first twenty minutes. However right, the team delivered a big performance in the end right which shows we are building towards where we need to be right. Its a long season and the way we performed today shows we will be in the mix at the end of the year. All we need is for talismatic to tog out next Sunday and for Paul Nolan to sort out his discipline". On the subject on Paul Nolan clondalkinrugby.com suggests that he should consider a visit to

http://www.anger-management-techniques.org/#.

The subject of player watch this week was going to be Tom Duffy. However, his injury enforced absence meant we were going to try a new feature called fan watch. However, Tom got wind of this new feature and decided to watch the game over the videolink he borrowed from Rob Hayes. At the request of Paul Fitzgerald, we have instead decided to focus on Chris the 'wonderkid' Jebb. Jebber got off to a bad start with a kick that did not go the ten but grew into the game as it went on. He controlled the game well with the boot and defended well when required. Towards the end of the game he tried to conjure up some magical moments but despite his best efforts he was unable to seal the winning try for Clondalkin. Like the rest of the lads he will be looking to avenge this defeat in the return encounter.

Added by Murts October 7, 2009 (7:20PM)

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