Leinster Division 1 Final Preview

They may be the stars of the future but Captain Bobby Smith has urged Clondlakin’s talent under 19’s to concentrate on the present and on making history by claiming Leinster League title this Saturday.

Smith is confident the latest crop of youngsters can make an serious impression on various senior panels over the next few years, but has urged the talented side to first focus on winning the first leg of what could prove a unprecedented league and cup double.

Clon take on a strong and well drilled Kilkenny outfit in the decider. The rugby Kat’s registered a victory in Gordon Park already this season, but Smith pays no heed to that reverse.

The bustling number 8 believes if the under-19s reproduce their heroic semi final performances they are certain to become only the second underage side in the clubs history to win the prestigious crown.

The former Leinster representative, who holds a senior Lawlor Cups medal, has also called the people of Clondalkin to come out in force and support the young side, as they try and emulate the under age success of some now first team regulars. Paul Nolan, Chris Jebb, Paul McDermott, John Nolan, Eddie Dunne and Simon King, who won the same trophy at under -16 level before going win make it to the All Ireland final nigh on five years ago.

“We have been getting great praise for making the two finals from everyone in the club. Everyone has been encouraging and saying we will be the stars of the future, but we need to think about the present. If we win this we have something to be proud of now and something to look back on forever. We have the chance to prove we are one of the best sides in Leinster rugby,” Smith told Clondalkin Rugby TV before talking about this weekends opposition.

“Kilkenny are always a tough side and a side that commands our full respect. They beat us at home a few days after we put in a mammoth effort in the North Midlands cup semi days earlier. We would be underdogs, but believe me if we show the togetherness, team spirit and willingness to die for each other that we did in both semi finals we will win,” a passionate and proud Smith added.

“We would like to thank the club for all the support and would ask everyone to make it a typical Clondalkin atmosphere in the final.”

Added by admin March 6, 2011 (1:12PM)

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