Clondalkin 1st XV (23) vs Newbridge (39)

Click on continue reading for full article by Jonny Stapleton

Clondalkin got a glimpse of how hard life can be in the division they aspire to play in next term, as Division 1 outfit Newbridge prevented the Gordon Park side from getting their season off to a winning start with professional and quality performance last Wednesday evening.

It wasn’t quiet a baptism of fire however as the hosts did show glimpses quality, particularly in the latter stages.

In fact in the last quarter Clondalkin conveyed enough talent and spirit to suggest that when the rust developed throughout the off season is well oiled they should be counted as Division 2 contenders.

In fairness Newbridge were superior side for the majority of the tie and ran Clon ragged and not just in stages but throughout.

Massey Tuhakaraina, the man who wore All Black at under-21, Sevens and Maori Under 21 level, had the home support in opening day mourning.

The out-half recently signed from AIL side Ballymena was a class above and ensured the visitors broke the gain line with the same regularity as Usain Bolt breaks sprinting records.

And once they had the home defence on the back foot they exploited overlaps and mismatches to register seven tries and ensure a well earned victory.

In truth Clondalkin were the masters of there own downfall in the opening period. Twelve unforced errors gifted Newbridge a platform attack which they exploited to great effect.

The hosts took an early lead via their very own former AIL player Chris Jebb, but any hope extending their advantage was ruined by too many unforgivable mistakes.

As a result the visiting Kildare side began to dominate possession and made a serious impact on the score board.

Inspired by their brilliant out half they moved the ball impressively and employed a game plan that the Clondalkin defense struggled to cope with.

Ali Collier once again impressed this time at first centre and the Clon scrum performed well but come half time host found themselves trailing 24-6.

Newbridge continued to dominate immediately after the turn and only for some good James Kenny work Clondalkin may have found themselves further behind.

Normal business was resumed in the form of a Newbridge try five minutes latter as the visitors looked to seal the result.

But as the half wore on Clon began to show the benefits of an extensive pre season fitness program and began to make inroads into the opposition half.

Jebb added his third penalty to make it 29-9 and a Clondalkin comeback looked on the cards.

The host’s impact subs began to impress and lived up to their name making a serious impact. Kev 'the wrecking ball' Hanlon made a particularly positive cameo, running the 10 channel with impressive vigor and putting his fellow Maori on the back foot.

Connor Maloney ensured the scrum became a stronger platform of attack as Clon threaten the line from a number of close range set plays.

The host finally got the score their all round play deserved. After good work from Dan Fitzpatrick and Paddy Curran the Clon scrum pushed over from five yards and sub Mark Duggan duly obliged and touched down.

Clon's attempted coup on the visiting lead was quickly quashed as another error allowed Newbridge to cross the white wash for a sixth time.

The hosts however showed great sprit and continued to push for a score. The de-dreaded Brian Doyle dismissed all Samson fears and scored from close range after Jebb was halted just short of the line.

Clon then had the chance to further reduce the arrears and set up a grand stand finish but after Jebb, Fitzpatrick and Duggan were all held short the hosts failed to execute a very simple overlap and the game finished 36-23.

Despite the loss captain Dan Fitzpatrick was upbeat afterwards.

“We made a number of mistakes but we are trying things in these games and the performance wasn’t too bad especially in the second half. Newbridge have also had three preseason games so were understandably that little bit more tuned.”

Added by Murts August 30, 2009 (6:38PM)

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