Clons promotion hopes are back on track

Article by Jonny Stapleton
Leinster League Division 2 Clondalkin 31 vs North Kildare 14

Clondalkin Rugby Club are just two wins away from a first ever promotion to Division 1 after their expected bonus point win over North Kildare and Ashbourne’s unexpected defeat at the hands of Clane last Sunday. The double result ensures the despair that plagued last week was replaced by delight as it leaves Clons promotion destiny is well and truly in their own hands.

The Gordon Park sides win and Ashbourne’s loss conspired to put Clondalkin in promotion pole position. Now a victory next week away to Gorey will guarantee a promotion relegation playoff against Garda. Clon went into the game knowing victory was essential to keep their chances of upgrading Divisions alive but despite starting badly eventually put a weeks worth of finishing school into practice to produce a refined five try scoring performance.

Initially Clondalkin seemed to be suffering a rugby hangover that comes with loosing via the last kick of the game to your nearest rivals the week previous, as neither passes or tackles were finding their intended targets. Such a poor start ensured that the hosts fell behind to an early Kildare penalty and after Simon King had to make a try saving hit some harsh words were shared. However the Gordon Parks side response was admirable and it wasn’t long before they took the lead. Winger Steve Cunningham finished off a move out wide after the forwards had sucked in the North cover before Chris Jebb added the extra’s to make it 7-3.

Clon then raised the tempo even further and began to ask questions the Kildare side just hadn’t got the answers to and it wasn’t long before they extended the lead. This time three forwards conspiring to create and finish off a try that wouldn’t have looked out of place in a Leinster back line operating at the height of its majestic powers.

Prop Ciaran Cullen found himself in possession down the blind side and with the opposition expecting a traditional forward charge he put his front row partner Brian Doyle racing down the line with a deft pass. Hooker Doyle set of for the line before producing an equally impressive off load to the on rushing Paul Nolan who finished off the stylish move under the posts. Clon then suffered another lull which again enabled North Kildare to enjoy a spell of dominance and but for some fine tackling from Ronan Murphy in particular they could have shipped a try.

The former Clane centre ensured Clon had more than just Sundays victory to thank the Sallins based club for, but even he couldn’t prevent the visitors tacking on a penalty. Then after ten minutes and 20 five metre scrums Clondalkin eventually opened up a comfortable cushion. Paul McDermott touching down on his return form injury after the pack eventually frog marched the opposition eight over back over the white wash to make it 19-6 at the break.

After the turn round the visitors made a bid to turn around the result and registered an impressive try with minutes of the restart. A third penalty for the Kildare side saw them get within just five points of Clondakin. But with the pressure piled on Clon instantly stood up to be counted. After winning a very kickable penalty Clon opted against inflicting slight injury by tacking on three points and instead went for the jugular and kicked for touch.

The gamble paid off and a varied line out that was working well throughout lead to the bonus point fourth try. Brian Doyle came up with the ball after a mass of bodies drove over the line thanks to an impressive maul. North Kildare did attempt a come back but the hosts were not very hospitable this time round and repelled all visiting advances. Nolan, Donnelly, Jebb, Dixon and Hickey all registered important tackles while Murphy won two pressure relieving penalties.

The result was finally put beyond doubt when Chris Jebb broke from within his 22 before the ball eventually found its way to Doyle who was almost ushered toward the line by the opposing winger. The hooker obliged and raced toward the white wash before finding former centre and impressive prop Sean Dunne in support. Dunne then touched down for the first time this season to send North South the table and spark muted celebrations amongst the Clondalkin support.

The celebrations didn’t remain restrained for too long however as word of Clanes victory over Ashbourne spread through the club.

First team coach Paul 'Viper' Haycock was pleased with the result and had this to say to clondalkinrugby.com "We are like a cat with nine lives and i'm pretty sure were living on our last life now. We have a big game coming up against Gorey who beat us at home earlier this year and if all goes well we should get a crack at Garda. However, the teams focus is on Gorey and we will be going down there looking to make up for our loss earlier this season".

Added by Murts March 31, 2010 (12:12PM)

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