Clon Fourths cross the bridge to the final

Speirs Cup Semi Final
Clondalkin 29 vs Newbridge 18
Jonny Stapleton

Clondalkin fourth team produced a performance of first team proportions to win a game of the season contender against Newbridge in Gordon Park last week keeping alive their hopes of deserved silverware in the process.

Clon, who feel very aggrieved to have finished runners up in their inaugural J5 League campaign, defied the odds and crossed the ’Bridge to a J3 Cup final via another passion packed performance. The Gordon Park outfit seemed inspired throughout. They were exceptional in defence and managed to lance the Kildare sides defence on three occasions to ensure victory and a place in the Speirs Cup Final.

But if the flying fourths are to claim Clondalkin’s first ever fourth team silverware they will have to take one more significant scalp after they were drawn against Naas in the final. Then again if last weeks performance was anything to go by the inspiring fourth string should have nothing to fear. Clon signalled their intention with and without the ball in the opening minutes of the mid week game. The home side registered groan inducing hits and blows that impressed all watching if not the opposition ball carriers, whilst Newbridge were in possession, and display menacing intent when they themselves had ownership of the ball.

A huge tag team body slam by Joey Lovett and Paddy ‘t’ Lawlor in the opening seconds set the tone and inspired the likes of Conor Maloney, Colm McHugh, Bobby Smith and Graham Gallagher to register tackles of the Newbridge demoralising kind. And despite being rugged, rigid and ruthless without possession there was very little dull and stiff about the fourths when they were on the attack. With a solid and constant supply of ball coming from Brian Berry the backs employed the moments of panache that complimented the forwards power and severely test the visiting resolve. Full back Fitzgerald was literally burning the ’Bridge with his pace while Lawlor continuously broke the gain line in a more direct fashion. Indeed, only a boot lace in touch prevented flyer Fitzgerald from breaking the deadlock on ten minutes but it wasn’t long before he unlocked the Kildare sides defence. The fired up front eight won another line out against the head and after Gallagher and Maloney threatened from close range, Fitzgerald touched down out wide. The man of the match contender benefited from some quick half back hands and a sensational hot potato style McHugh off load. Lawlor added the extras to extend the lead seven.

The hosts were not content however with just leading and didn’t allow the mammoth effort to subside. They were once more bullish and determined in every facet of play and only some missed penalties prevented them opening up a comfortable cushion. A concession of some poor penalties did see the visitors gain some rare territory that a team of such quality will always make count. And make the most of it they did, touching down via some mistakes to register a well worked try making it 7-5 in process. Newbridge then made an attempt to take the lead at Clondalkin’s expense but the host were not in the surrendering mood.

The return of the Mac, Colm McHugh, to the form that once saw him grace the first team saw him produce more tackles than you‘d see in a fishing rod shop. Smith and Maloney provided exceptional guile in the tight whilst Lovett and Lawlor ensured there was no room for Newbridge joy out wide. And once Clon weathered the small Kildare storm they hit back with a hurricane of their own. Again after powerful pack carries the host found themselves with space out wide. Quick ruck ball eventually reached danger man Fitzgerald and he floated a pass into the path of Jonathan ’Joxer’ Edgewards who raced home to register his fifth fourth team try of the season.

Kicking machine ‘t’ Lawlor failed with the conversion but kicked a penalty that saw the home side take a 15-8 lead into the second period. The versatile youngster’s boot continue to play a vital role after the turn around ensuring Clondalkin territory before punishing Newbridge misdemeanours from the tee to further push out the lead. Newbridge however ensured proceedings remained tight and they remained in contention when they finished from five yards after a series of tap penalties.

Another beautifully worked move saw Fitzgerald come within inches of opening up a comfortable cushion as his brilliant run was stopped just short of the line. It wasn’t long however before the large Clondalkin support got the nerve relaxing touch down the craved. It may not have come from a well crafted move but it was certainly pleasing on the Clondalkin eye when try machine Eamon Hughes crossed the white wash for the ninth time this season to put three scores between the sides. br />
Clon proceeded to close out the tense tie and now look set to face Naas in the decider this coming weekend.

Moment of the match was when outhalf and captain Jonny Hips produced one of his trademark show which parted the Newbridge defense like Moses parted the red sea but a lack of pace from the aging outhalf meant he was unable to finish what was definitly the step of the season. Hopefully we'll see more of the same charisma come the cup final.

Added by Murts April 26, 2010 (8:43AM)

This article hasn't been commented yet.

Have a comment? Please register