Newbridge have been diggled

Towns Cup Semi Final

Clondalkin RFC first team produced a performance worthy of AIL champions to book a place in the Towns Plate final when they overcame Newbridge by a score of 34-17 in the Curragh on Sunday.

Clondalkin, who’s current injury list would rival that of an army division returning from Afghanistan, really showed the strength in depth within the club when they reversed the 36-23 beating they suffered on the opening day of the season. The team set their stalls out early with savage big hits on both the Newbridge ex New Zealand U21 outhalf and their first centre along with a crushing hit on their full back all taking place within the first five minutes of the game. It was safe to say that all three had been well and truly been “diggled”, which is what we here in Clondalkin RFC affectionately call our really big hits. These three smashing hits made it clear to the Newbridge team that Clondalkin were well and truly up for the game and that they were going to have to work hard to overcome their near neighbors from two divisions lower.

Clons first attack was almost as brilliant as their first defensive effort and came after Chris ‘Jebby’ Jebb crafted a great break through the centre meaning that only a wonderful covering tackle from the Newbridge fullback prevented a try from their first break. However, the fullbacks efforts were in vain as the back row arrived en mass to clear out the ball and allow Mark Molloy recycle quickly who sent hooker and inspirational captain Brian Doyle off to barge over for the dream start. Jebb converted to make it 7-0. Newbridge seemed a little shocked by the efforts of the Clondalkin 15 and a shoulder charge from their twelve soon after the restart meant Jebb was able to bring the score to 10-0. Another Newbridge shoulder charge followed soon after and Jebb brought the score to 13-0.

Newbridge were startled by the pace and power with which Clon had started the game and were coming off second best in every area. The line-out was functioning well, the defensive line was being marshaled well by Blue Wicked Andy Dixon, the diggles were in full flow and above all else the scrum was functioning superbly. In fact Newbridge were being starved of any decent ball and the only chance they had of getting into the game was if Clon were to make a mistake. The mistake that gave Newbridge a sniff of the game came via a John Nolan slip. The stand in winger was picking up an easy ball in his own 22 after an aimless Newbridge kick when he slipped and knocked the ball on giving Newbridge the field position they had craved so much during the first half. Clon exerted pressure in the scrum and it appeared the ball was about to bounce out the back of the scrum. Wing forward Simon King broke prematurely as the Newbridge 8 had just got the ball under control. The fact Kingo was out of position meant the Newbridge scrum half had a clear run to the line skipping out of what were soft covering tackles. Clon went into the break 13-5 up.

The home side made an early attempt to reduce the deficit further immediately after the restart but brilliant work from pint sized Mark Molloy prevented them from getting within a score. It wasn’t long before the not so diminutive Doyle was inspiring another brilliant Clondalkin try.The hooker proved he is as destructive in the loose as he is in the front row when he intercepted a wayward pass before charging through the cover and off loading to John Nolan. The combative winger who was in the team due to the injury of his younger brother was intent on making up for his earlier mistake and proceeded to produce an agonising finish that seemed like it took forever before he dived on the line. Jebb converted and Clon were now 15 points up. The try came at a cost though as Nolan, who was playing his best game of the season, had to join fellow winger Paul Fitzgerald on the sideline after hurting his ankle en route to the line. This meant Clon were now left with a fullback playing at outhalf, a number 8 playing at first centre and two 19 year old kids playing in the back three. Despite this Clon showed more penetration than you’d see in one of the number 8’s namesakes movies.

But just when the visiting Clon support thought the could relax Newbrodge injected an untimely dose of tension into the tie with another close range finish to get within 10. The experienced Newbridge side then upped the tempo and put the young side, whose oldest forward was 24 year old Sean Brennan, under serious pressure. However, just when it looked like they could possibly crack Doyle and McDermott paired up to produce a moment of brilliance. Doyle who found himself just outside the Clon 22 when he fielded a Newbridge clearance kick. The Clon support urged him to run it back and just like you’d expect from an inspirational leader he gave the people what they wanted. Doyle burst through the Newbridge winger before stopped by their front row. He kept his feet pumping and it looked like he was being ushered into touch. Coach Kenny O’Brien must have known what was coming next as he had the F word on the tip of his tongue. 3 Newbridge players were escorting Bruiser to touch when he managed to slip the ball out to Number 8 Paul McDermott which brought a shout of Funtastic from O’Brien. McDermott gave the obligatory show and go to the Newbridge cover defense before sprinting in under the posts.

The explosive Gary Donnelly then finished off the Plate semi final with another well taken score. The full back showing the football skills his white boots were made for displaying dribbling skills Lionel Messi would have been proud of before finishing Robbie Fowler style to enable Jebb to make it 34-10 with just minutes remaining. The hosts did manage a score late on but it proved only consolation and it is Clondalkin who will face North Kildare in the Final Sunday week.

Captain on the day and man of the match contender Brian Doyle had this to say after the game “I told the boys in the dressing room that if anyone was going to be doing any bullying out there today, that it was going to be us. We’ve had a disappointing end to the season given the fact that we were in with a chance of promotion and this game was our only chance of getting some silverware. We now progress to a final with North Kildare, a team who’s league position certainly masks their ability. We will have to be on top of our game to overcome this team but victory is certainly not beyond us”.

Coach Paul “Hitch” Haycock had this to say after the game “Its been a long hard season for the boys and when your talking about us missing Stevey, Niall Nolan and Dreamboat Behan from the wings along with Phily, Dave Gaule, Murf and Alan Hickey in the centres along with our captain Dan Fitzpatrick, Rob Dever and several others from the pack it really does go to show the depth we are creating within the squad. I also thought the night out after the Gorey game had a last game of the season feel to it and that they boys would not show up mentally for this tournament. However, they overcame an almost full strength Newbridge team and it is testament to them. A big shock I got today was from the kid they used to call Crazy Legs. He charged at their prop like you’d see goats charging at one another and I couldn’t believe that he actually drove him backwards. Now I know why they just call him Crazy now”.

Club captain Dan Fitzpatrick also had this to say “Right, whoever says that I was just saying myself for tour would want to be careful right. I’ve an injured finger and you tell me a player who has played with a taped up hand and I’ll tell you you’re a liar right. No in fairness the boys played well and they deserve what they got”.

Clondalkin RFC would like to pay tribute to Newbridge who were gracious in defeat and we wish you every success in Division 1A next season. We would also like to pay tribute for the defense forces for supplying a changing area for our supporters. Tommy Duffy was seen making full use of it when he changed out of Newbridge attire just after the Nolan try while Rob Hayse also got some benefit from the area. He seen we were short a substitute after Dave Behans withdrawal and decided to kit out in case Hitch and Kenny decided to call on him after his fine performance for the over 35s. Fair play to you Rob.

In related news Andy Tyndall suffered a knock to the head in the game that looked serious at the time. We hear at clondalkinrugby.com would like to report that he suffered no brain damage in the incident. He’d have to have one first.

Only joking with you Andy but that’ll teach you for the water.

Added by Murts April 26, 2010 (7:08PM)

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