Clondalkin (35) v Garda (17)

Article by Jonny Stapleton

An inspired Clondalkin retained the Paul Caffrey Memorial Cup-a trophy very dear to their hearts-with an impressive and passionate display in Gordon Park last Thursday night.

Clondalkin, who use the game to play homage to late club legend Paul Caffrey, planted a tree in ‘Cafs’ honor before kick off and proceeded to produce a performance the former Garda would have been proud of to record an impressive victory.

With emotions running high a Clon starting fifteen which consisting of Caf’s peers made an abrasive all action start.

Strong carries and big hits dominated the early exchanges which Clondalkin just shaded thanks to well struck Steve Cunningham penalties.

Some ring rust began to sneak into Clons game and their usually impressive set piece began to struggle. As a result Garda found passage into Clondalkin territory before becoming the benefactors of a home mistake to score the closest thing possible to Rugby OG.

From that point on, however, Clon took control. The likes of Philly Byrne, Alan Hickey, Peter Fitzgerald, Paddy Burke and Ray Kelly-who all played underage rugby with Caffrey- impressed and it wasn’t long before the hosts extended their lead.

A fine interchange of passes between Hickey and Peter Fitzgerlad enabled try scorer extraordinaire Paul Fitzgerald touch down under the posts. The home side kept up the pressure and continued to impress with Aleric Collier having one of his best games in yellow. Clondalkin seemed inspired and went further ahead this time through Cunningham. The full back took a pop pass from Simon King after the flanker made a dash down the wing and finished superbly via three attempted tackles to push Clons advantage out to 21-5.

That lead was extended further right on the stroke of half-time after captain Dan Fitzpatrick off loaded to Mark Molloy who in turn raced over down the blind side after good work from Byrne. Clondalkin fielded a completely different side after the turn as another batch of players wanted to play homage to former underage and second team captain Caffrey. The wholesale changes in personal, however didn’t alter the level of performance.

The visitors upped the tempo but Clon proved equal to the task and arrested the Gaurds attacking advances. As Clon began impose themselves once more on proceedings it was the three returnees who impressed most. Sean Dunne was immense on his competitive return to the front row and put it up to the Garda’s monster Samoan prop. Out half Chris Jebb making his first competitive start since his return from AIL side Trinity pulled the strings and Dave Hurley, who enjoyed a rugby sabbatical last term, staked a claim for a first team place with a customary electric performance.

Indeed it was Hurley who crossed the white wash to further extend the hosts advantage. The full back raced home unopposed from 30 yards after a fine break from debutant Andy Dixon to make it 35-5. At that stage Division 1 outfit Garda had had enough and responded well and began to raise their game. They enjoyed the lion share of possession in the latter stages and forced Clon to prove their defensive worth. The abrasive Alan O’Brien, Paul Nolan, Dunne and John Nolan were amongst the regular tacklers and torns in the Garda attacking side. But Paul Hickey was registering the types of hits no amount of RAM-Clon’s favourite recovery supplement-would enable you to recuperate from including a shuddering try saving smash right on the line. Clon had no further scores to celebrate but an inspired cameo from prop Conor Maloney got the large home support up on their feet. The big prop turned a strong Garda scrum 360 degrees before nearly flinging an opposition back through the new brand new fencing with a massive unorthodox one handed tackle.

Garda did manage two scores but Clondalkin ensured they were nothing but consolation and Clondalkin maintiained their unbeatean record in the three year old competition.

















Photo 1: Alan Hickey sets up the first try
















Photo 2: Dan drives toward the line

Added by Murts August 24, 2009 (8:47AM)

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