Clondalkin 3rd (16) vs Clontarf (21)

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Clondalkin 3rds went down by a score of 16-21 at home to Clontarf at the weekend. Given the current injury crisis being felt by the club the 3rds were lucky to field 15 men, with over 20 players currently out injured. To compound the low numbers, they were unable to have any 4th team players in reserve given the fact that the 4ths kick off was at the same time.

Playing against a youthful Clontarf team, a scratch Clondalkin side started brightly but were soon overwhelmed by a well drilled Clontarf team who were able to make good yards through their hard running 13. Clon were forced to scramble for most of the first half and were able to count themselves lucky to go into the break at only 10-0 down. A few harsh words from the senior players at half time saw Clondalkin go into the second half with a point to prove.

Stand in 3rd team captain Derek Murtagh, who was just returning from injury, had asked the team to deliver a big hit straight from the restart. Murtagh planned to lead from the front and was the first on the scene as the Clontarf player rose into the air to claim the restart. However, Murtagh was struck down with the curse of the 3rd team captain and tore his medial knee ligaments in the contact and was forced to retire from the game injured. Murtagh is now the 4th captain of the 3rds this season who has been injured in action. Clon were forced down to 14 men as they had no subs available to them. This did not stop them registering a try through the legendary Eamonn Stapleton who himself was playing the game despite carrying an injury. Eddie Martens converted to make the score 10-7. Peter ‘Big Hits’ Fitz was the man who rose to the challenge of stopping the Clontarf 13 was noticeably quieter following a devatating tackle from Fitzgerald. Both teams traded penalties to bring the score to 16-13. Clondalkin were able to rustle up a sub and were about to return to 15 men before Paul ‘Mr Glass’ Hickey ruptured his achiles tendon.

Despite the loss of Hickey Clondalkin went into the final ten minutes of the game on top and in with a chance of winning the game. However, playing the full second half with only 14 men eventually told on Clondalkin and Clontarf were able to eek out a 9 point lead following a well taken try. Eddie Martens rescued the bonus point for Clondalkin with a penalty in the last minute of the game.

Clondalkins stand out player was Chris ‘Farm Boy’ Kelly who put in bone crunching tackles all day but was unable to live up to his recent off the field scoring antics, with reliable sources informing Clondalkinrugby.com that he was seen locking lips with the sister of one of the more senior members of Clondalkin Rugby Club. However, unlike Owly, Clondalkinrugby.com will not be divulging the girls surname.

Added by Murts December 14, 2009 (11:43AM)

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