Clondalkin v Ashbourne

Clondalkin emerged from a foggy Ashbourne with a hard fought victory last Sunday, registering their first ever league double over the Meath side in the process.

The Gordon Park side returned to venue were defeat last term ultimately cost them a promotion play off place and recorded an away win that could prove pivotal in the Division 2 title push.

Winger Gary Donnelly, who is lethal in broken play, registered a fine individual effort cutting back in against the grain before combining skill and power to touch down the all important try.

Former Ireland and Leinster underage player Chris Jebb continued his rich vein of kicking form and hit three penalties to help Clondalkin ensure a 14-3 final score. However, whilst Jebb and Donnelly registered the points, it was the defensive powers of the reunited Simon Kingo and Paul Nolan that were the true catalysts behind the impressive win.

The backrow pair, who were key to Clon’s underage run to the under-19 All Ireland final, had a personal tackling contest and registered more hits than You Tube to rebuff all the hosts try attempts.

The first team may have severely increased their title hopes performing brightly under Saturday night lights, but the second string all but blew theirs.

The second tier, who were missing inspirational captain Ali Collier after the centre was drafted to the firsts, threw away a 14 point advantage in the final exchanges of a tense encounter.

Clon literally hit the self destruct button to all but destroy any hopes they had of collecting a coveted championship crown they were favourites to win just three games ago.

A last minute touch down and a try late in injury time meant the visitors only drew a game they were well and truly on course to win.

The youngest of the Jebb brothers, Karl opened the scoring early in the first half with a try of season certainty on his second team debut.
Stand out in the under-19’s run to the North Midlands final, Karl Jebb, whose brother and former under age team mate Dave was playing in the back row, gave Clon the lead crossing the line in sensational fashion.
The 18 year old, chose direct rather than evasive wing play bursting his way through five tackles from half way en route to crossing the white wash.

Ben Tenn’s dead ball prowess enabled Clon to deservedly open up what looked like a comfortable advantage, but the hosts hit two penalties of their own to keep within touching distance.

And just when it looked like Clon were set to register yet another league win, Ashbourne registered two seven pointers to snatch a late draw.

Meanwhile fine trys from Andy Tyndall and the clubs top scoring second row, Keith Luby couldn't prevent the third and fourth strings from losing away to senior clubs Lansdowne and Terenure respectfully.

Jonny Stapleton

Added by Gwen January 27, 2011 (6:34PM)

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