Firsts back on track

Clondalkin (33) vs Mullingar (7)
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Clondalkin first team got their season back on track yesterday with 33-7 win at home to Mullingar. Clon were made to fight hard for their win after conceding an easy try early on but responded well with a drop goal and penalty from the boot of Chris Jebb before Mark Molloy went in for Clondalkins first try after a lovely show and go from the base of the scrum. The speed and agility he showed for the try was in stark contrast to his display during Saturdays Citywest One Mile Obstacle Course where he floundered his way round the course to register the slowest time of the day for any participant, male or female. According to onlookers Markie really struggled when it came to climbing over the wall. Clon began asserting themselves on the game with Gary Donnelly starting to show the form that he displayed playing for Tallaght under 20s a few seasons back. Clon were unable to turn the pressure into additional points and went in 16-7 up at half time.

Captain Dan Fitzpatrick fired his troops up at half time with a rallying call and demanded Clon go out and get the bonus point. Simon King answered the call from the start and went over for Clondalkins second try of the game in what according to Kingo was the best try ever scored at Gordon Park. Gary Donnelly registered the next try following good work from centres Alaric Collier and Blue Wicked Andy Dixon.

Clon looked ready to secure the bonus point with 20 minutes to go before the wheels started to fall apart. Firstly Paul ‘Evolution, No Relation to the Nolan Sisters’ Nolan uncharacteristically got involved in an off the ball dispute with his opposite second row. According to reliable sources Noelie has been agitated ever since Alan and Pat Boland cornered him about his overnight stays in the Boland household. The next mishap to take place was when Ciaran Cullen was withdrawn from the pitch with blood on his ankle and tears in his eyes. Onlookers were shocked at what they saw and first team coach Rob Hayes, who was watching the game via videolink, instantly updated his Clondalkin legendary all time 15 to remove Cullen following what can only be described as a moment of weakness. The final mishap was then made by the coaching staff who unwittingly decided to spring Andy Tyndall from the bench. However, this mishap turned out to be the move that earned Clon the bonus point as Andy has been sober for a number of days now and put in a display that reminded people exactly why he played Leinster Youths only two years ago.

He fielded the ball in his own 22 before making a break to the half way line from where he launched an up and under which he caught himself. Mullingar smothered the ball and Clon were awarded a scrum after the ref had deemed the ball unplayable. Clon got the wheel on the scrum which allowed Paul McDermott make a dash for the line. Mullingar scambled well and stopped Maccer just short. Good clearing out by his back row colleagues allowed Mark Molloy pass the ball forward, sorry that should say back, to Chris Jebb who then fed John Nolan with another dubious looking pass to allow Nolan stroll in for the bonus point try with the last play of the game.

Captain Fitzpatrick had this to say after the game “Right, I know we got the win right but there are still areas we can improve on right. We play Portarlington next week right and they will be tough opponents for us right so we have to get our heads down this week right and train hard for the game right”.

The victory also led former coach Andy Heuston to send an email to clondalkinrugby.com wishing the lads all the best and praising their efforts.

A new feature that clondalkinrugby.com will be running with is player watch. This weeks player is Alaric Collier. The South African was rewarded for his strong appearance from the bench last week with a starting spot and he took his chance well. Despite the fact that he got burned on the outside for the Mullingar try, he put in an impressive display combining strong running with hard hits throughout the game. Next weeks player watch will be on Tom Duffy.

Clondalkin (33) vs Mullingar (7)

Added by Murts September 28, 2009 (1:23PM)

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