Clons promotion hopes left in Ashes

Article by Jonny Stapleton
Leinster League Division 2
Ashbourne 13 Clondalkin 12


Ashbourne overtook Clondalkin to take promotion pole position thanks to a victory secured with the last kick of a dramatic game in Meath last Sunday.

The hosts eventually came out on top after a rugby photo finish equivalent, breaking Clons hearts and putting their promotion destiny in their own hands in process.

Clon had dominated the entire second half and despite creating three clear cut try scoring opportunities failed in their bid to cross the white wash and register the decisive score.

Chris Jebb did appear to ensure the missed chances didn’t hamper the promotion chances when he converted a trademark pressure kick from half way to give the visitors a two point cushion with just 30 seconds to go. But

Clon somehow managed to press the self destruct button and allowed the hosts snatch victory from the jaws of certain defeat with a penalty right at the death.

Despite billing the game as a cup final and a must win tie Captain Big Dan Fitzpatrick was upbeat after the gut wrenching lost. The inspirational leader was quick to quash any negative talk about the clubs chances of upgrading to Division 1 next term.

“The league isn’t over. Second is still only three points away. We are now focusing on winning our last two games and putting as much pressure as possible on Ashbourne. We are going to fight right up and until the final whistle.

"In terms of Sunday we should have won. We had enough chances to put the game to bed in the second half and it was heart breaking to loose to the last kick of the game. The lads were gutted after and understandably so considering the effort they put in. I am so proud of the panel and the heart and belief they showed on Sunday. I was so disappointed with the result but not the team or the performance. Again we will regroup and fight for promotion right until the death.”

To view photos from the Ashbourne site click on the link below:
http://www.ashbournerugby.ie/index.php?a=gallery_photo

Added by Murts March 24, 2010 (5:34PM)

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