Leinster League final on the horizion

Article by Jonny Stapleton

Clondalkin under-19 captain Bobby Smith has called on his team mates to reproduce their North Midland semi final Cup heroics to book a prestigious Leinster League final berth this weekend.

The talented underage outfit do battle with a strong Mullingar side this coming Saturday for the right to compete in the league final, and Smith wants a repeat of the performance that saw them progress to North Midlands equivalent.

Clon secured their place in the area decider via one of the greatest underage team performances in recent club history and the back row leader believes if they can reproduce that kind of form they will be unbeatable.

Smith, who also called on the Clon faithful to come and help cheer the side over the penultimate hurdle, is confident the 19’s can emulate the great underage side captained by Chriss Jebb and not only compete but win at the highest level.

“It is a massive game for us,” Smith told Clondalkin Rugby TV this week. “Again I would like to ask all the members to come out in force and cheer us on. The support we got in the North Midlands Cup semi final was a massive boost and really helped us. That was the best performance this team ever produced. We took on an amalgamation of three teams and were deserved winners. We tackled like our lived depended on it and really played for each other. If we do that again this weekend we will win. Mullingar are a strong side and are probably favourites going into the tie, but the lads are fired up and ready to go. We have a taste of success now and we want more. We want to make it to our second final this year.” Smith added.

The bustling number 8, who holds an senior Lawlors Cup medal, is one part of a very talented back row unit that could prove crucial on the day.

Karl Jebb, Gareth Black and Smith all have Leinster and senior experience and when the three are on form they combine Power Rangers style to make one great rugby monster.

But Smith is adamant the sum is greater than the parts and stressed there is no stars on the in form team.

“Team ethic and spirit is the key to this teams success. There is no one stand out player. We have talent and more importantly heart from 1-22 and that will stand to us again the weekend. We will all have to be at our best to win not one or two of us.”

Added by admin February 9, 2011 (5:14PM)

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