Fin sets the Barr

Lawlor Cup Final
Clondalkin 15 Portlaoise 10
Articly by Jonny Stapleton

Clondalkin’s Second team made it three cup final wins in a record breaking week for the Gordon Park club with a dogged victory over Portlaoise last Sunday. It was fitting reward for probably the strongest second string the club has seen. Lead by Kevin Cullen, whose brother, Ciaran captained Clondalkin to the clubs prestigious Spencer Cup victory, Clondalkin have been sensational all year and were extremely unlucky to loose out on League success.

But they eventually got the silverware their season deserved with a hard fought win over the Laois side. Veteran Finbarr Bulter, who was immense throughout, and Peter Firzgerald got the scores but a superb defensive display, particularly in the latter stages was the true catalysts behind the win.

Clon got off to a great start when Bulter raced home from all of ten yards with less than five minutes gone, registering his third try of the campaign in the process. John Nolan added the extras to a score that was made a Dave Behan break to two big carries from Cullen and Maurice Featherstone. Portlaoise hit back instantly with kicking a penalty to make it 7-3.

However, despite the scoring start both sides were tentative and nerves played a detrimental part to the game. There was no real pattern to the play but the country team were slightly shading proceedings. And without the ball a Clon second team renowned for its attacking prowess was forced to show its defensive qualities. The back row of Featherstone, Bobby Smith and Paul Hickey were working overtime and along with Butler were ensuring the Clon line remained intact. Indeed second row Butler prevented a certain score when he chased back and caught a line bound winger.

‘The Bouncer’ Smith also prevented a certain score when he refused the opposition flanker entry to the goal line area via super tackle. Ali Collier, John Nolan and Paul Fitzgerald also ensured Portlaoise’s advances out-wide were repelled, while Peter Fitzgerald, Lee Beresford and Dave Behan dealt effectively with the Laois kicking game.

The tight and tentative affair was void of many chances and both teams battled hard to gain the upper hand. As the half went on Clon did begin to get on top and had two chances from the kicking tee to further extend their lead but John Nolan was unable to add to his tally for the day. Then with just 10 minutes to go to half time Portlaoise gifted Clon a numerical advantage, not on the scoreboard but on the playing field, however. Five minutes of Laois lunacy saw them punished for their rugby sins and reduced to 12 men. Two yellow cards and a red meant the visiting side would temporarily be without two players and without their second centre for the rest of the game.

It seemed Peter Fitzgerald took full advantage of the extra space when he trotted home out wide but his effort was ruled out for a forward pass and it remained 7-3 at half time. With a numerical advantage Clon were on top at the start of the second half and Fitzgerald eventually registered what proved to be the decisive score. The speedster won the race after a sublime Ali Collier kick through before touching down.

Clon remained on top but on too many occasions kicked away possession instead of using the obvious talent they had out wide and Laois nearly made them paid. The Division 1 side made a late attempt at a revival and took the game to the hosts. But Clon showed immense resolve and two defensive contributions from the teams greatest attacking options proved vital.

The clubs top scorer, Dave Behan and the clubs all time record try scorer both made super cover tackles. Conor Caslin also put in a massive effort in the tight when it was needed most. The visitor did eventually cross the white wash to set up yet another tense Clondalkin final finale. With just five minutes remaining only five points separated the sides and Portlaoise were peppering the home line.

But massive tackles from the entire team including super drives from Ken McMahon and James Kenny saw the home team hold out and collect deserved silverware.

Man of the match was Leigh Beresford, a player this website has been critical of in the past. However, if we are quick to point out flaws in ones game then we are quick to recognise where one has done well. Fair play to you Butcher.

Added by Murts May 10, 2010 (4:26PM)

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