Clondalkin 2nds (30) vs Ashbourne 2nds (19)

Click on continue reading for full article by Derek Murtagh

Clondalkin 2nds reignited their challenge for league victory with a 30-19 home win over fellow title contenders Ashbourne last Sunday. Clondalkin again fielded a strong second side boasting the likes of Paul Fitzgerald, Alaric Collier and Paddy Curran within the starting line up.

It was Ashbourne who got off the mark first following a piece of quick thinking from their number 10. Bren Ward gave away a penalty directly under the posts which everyone presumed the Ashbourne 10 would slot over. However, he had other ideas and caught Clondalkin napping by taking a quick penalty to send his winger over in the corner. Clon responded directly from the off with Paul Hickey forcing a penalty that was duly converted by the returning Andy Tyndall. A period of Clondalkin domination followed with Dave Gaule, starting only his second game for the club, orchestrating proceedings well from number 10. The injury prone player was intent on proving that his on the field performances could live up to the ones he delivered in the changing rooms on the Saturday of captains dinner. A nifty piece of footwork from the 10 set Shrek into space who went in unchallenged under the posts.

Andy Tyndall converted to make it 10-7. Ashbourne responded well with their outhalf running the show from 10. Clon defended their lines valiantly with Gary Geoghan and Paul Hickey making bone shuddering tackles. However, Ashbourne eventually forced an overlap that was neatly finished by the surprisingly mobile outhalf. The score was now 10-12. Dave Gaule put Clon back in front with a drop goal that went straight between the posts. Ashbourne registered another try before half time to take a 19-13 lead into the break.

Clon were playing down the hill in the 2nd half and knew they needed to come away with a bonus point win and ensure Ashbourne got nothing if they were to be in contention at the business end of the season. For that reason 2nd team coach Rob Hayse introduced the clubs top try scorer this campaign, Conor Maloney. Maloney made an immediate impact with a barnstorming carry into the Ashbourne 22, knocking over 5 players on the way. Clon recycled well with scrum half Mark Duggan, finally getting a mention on the club website, passing to Paulie Fitzgerald who reluctantly put Andy Tyndall over in the corner. Paulie looked even more devasted than any of the Ashbourne players knowing that he had played a part in an Andy Tyndall try.

Clon were now 20-19 ahead. Now it was time for the introduction of Maurice Featherstone. Maurice’s introduction led straight away to a penalty, amazingly in Clondalkins favour given the fact that Maurice has single handedly given away 53 penalties so far this year. Tyndall converted to make the score 23-19. With time running out Clon pushed for the bonus point with Alaric Collier making countless hard yards against his former club. Dave Behan also carried plenty of ball but unfortunately for the Clondalkin faithful Dave thought he was at his Friday night spin sessions and went round in circles on most occasions. A superb break for Collier eventually led to Clondalkins final try with Maurice Featherstone touching down with the girliest wave seen on a rugby pitch since the girl guides had their AGM at Lansdowne Road in 1967.

Player watch this week focused on Simon Commiskey. Cummo, who famously scored four tries in a single game, had one of his best days at the office in recent years. He made a number of hard carries throughout the game and even had a one handed catch at the back of the lineout from an Ashbourne overthrow. This sort of performance has many people believing that he will no longer be known as the Incredible Sulk and may in fact land the coveted nickname the Incredible Hulk. Sorry Dan your going to be known as the Dropper 2 after that knock on in the first team game.

Click here to view pictures from the game

Added by Murts November 9, 2009 (6:02PM)

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