First and seconds pull it back

First and seconds Game Reports Jonny Stapleton

Clondalkins first and second string both over came early scares to get their respective Leinster League campaigns off to the perfect start in Gordon Park last Saturday.

Both injury ravaged sides gave the Clondalkin faithful a scare by conceding early tries to newly promoted Edenderry, before eventually turning things round to register bonus point wins.

Clon’s elite outfit initially played the perfect hosts to their country visitors gifting a team they would expect to defeat a 10 point advantage before proceedings had really got going.

However, just as ‘key injuries’ was being touted as a possible excuse for an Edenderry upset, Clon got to grips with the unknown entity and began to show their superior class.

Ironically for the Division 2 outfit their key contributor was once more the sensational David Jebb, a player who is in the starting 15 by default. The 19 year old back row master, who only got his chance first team chance because of injuries, has been Clon’s best performer in the two games he has played.

Another non first team regular who is staking a claim for more permanent inclusion is John Nolan, who is in the team in place of his talented younger injured brother.

And it fittingly it was Jebb and Nolan who combined to reduce the early arrears. The open side flanker producing a lovely pass that saw the winger register his third try in three games.

Not to be out done captain Dan Fitzpatrick benefited from a massive pack effort to register his second try in two ties and more importantly give the host the lead. Out half Chriss Jebb added the extras to make it 14-0.

At this stage Clon’s superiority in class was apparent and they began attacking at will. The younger of the two Jebb brothers managed to get the score his performance deserved allowing his brother to make it 21-10.

Nolan then registered another five points as well as a league bonus point with Clondalkin's fourth on the day and his fourth for the season before half time.

Eddenderry started the second half just like the did the first with a try thanks in particular to a series of missed Conor Cashlin tackles. The little hooker had a day to forget as latter he knocked on with the line at his mercy and conceded an abundance of penalties.

Indeed the entire 15 took their foot off the gas after the turn and the home support only had a try from the prolific Dave Behan to celebrate in the second 40 minutes.

Meanwhile injuries and first team poaching ensured the second team were down to the bare bones.

Indeed, the second string were forced to perform more reshuffling than a Los Vegas black jack dealer with captain Ali Collier moving into out half amongst other major changes.

But the first 10 minutes apart the second team completely dominated recovering from the early set back to win comfortably.

Trys from Oran Smith, Paul Fitzgerald, the impressive Seanie Brennan and Steven Tyndall saw the hosts increase their unbeaten home run to 20 games.

Added by admin September 21, 2010 (2:53PM)

This article hasn't been commented yet.

Have a comment? Please register