3 in a Row for the thrids

Clondalkin 29

Barnhall 14

Jonny Stapleton

A sensational final ten minutes saw Clondalkin’s third team come from behind against near neighbours Barnhall to maintain their unblemished start to the new campaign.

Barnhall enjoyed a two point and one player advantage with just 13 minutes remaining of a tense pre season derby and looked odds on to register their first win of the season. But Clondalkin were adverse to suffer their first reverse and produced a Late Late Show, that would have made Ryan Tubridy and co proud to run out comfortable winners.

With time running out and the host record of being the only unbeaten side in the club in jeopardy captain for the day Andy Tyndall lead by example registering 10 points in four vital minutes to rescue the result for Clondalkin.

The former Leinster under age representative and current walking Leinster bill board and name dropper registered a penalty try and conversion in quick succession to turn the game on its head.

The creative first centre also played a key role in a last ditch debut try for John Power that put the seal on another impressive Clon win.

Despite loosing a few players to injury, including captain Simon Cumiskey, and being forced to make five changes to the front eight Clon started the better of the two side.

In fact Clon enjoyed better territory and possession from the off and only a lack of killer instinct prevented them from opening a lead.

Superb wing play by 18 year old Colin Bruton and Matthew Brocklebank eventually lead to the deadlock being broken. Bruton did his best Shane Williams impression mesmerising the Bulls defence and gaining Clondalkin good field position, which Brocklebank eventually exploited to race home for his second try of the season.

The home side, bolstered by some strong pack play and ball carrying from Ged Nugent, Chris Murray and Kevin Dunphy continued to dominate for the majority of the half.

Yet somehow they went in trailing at the break. The Bull’s twice charged over the line exposing Clon’s defence around the fringes to take a somewhat undeserved lead into the turn.

To their credit the Parrsonstown enjoyed more possession after the break, but they struggled to break Clon’s resolve

. It may have been more reactive than proactive but Clon’s defence was effective none the less. Third team debutant Luke Sweetman was abrasive and aggressive throughout and Murray, Tyndall, McGuire amongst others all registered hits.

Then after Clon emerged from the Bull’s stampeded unscathed they crossed the white wash to get back into contention. After the forwards close range drives were held short Clon attacked the blind and prop Ciaran Cullen, who impressed on his return from injury, popped up on the wing and raced over from close range.

Barnhall increased their efforts in a bid to increase their advantage emptying their sizable bench with minutes to go.

But instead of closing out the game they eventually lost it thanks to particularly to the efforts of captain Tyndall.

Added by admin September 21, 2010 (2:51PM)

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