Speirs Cup Winners

Cill Dara 14 Clondalkin 30

Jonny Stapleton

It was a case of final fantasy two for Clondalkin third’s last Monday as the Gordon Park Club won the Speirs Cup for the second year running.

The third string finally collected the silverware their season deserved thanks to a double touch down from lethal finisher Eamon Hughes, as well as five pointers from Keith Lubby and flanker Ross Fitzgerald.

Just yards from the Curragh race course the thirds, who suffered a luckless league campaign, eventually proved they were a team of thoroughbreds inflicting an away final defeat to their hosts Cill Darra and collecting the clubs fifth senior cup in just two season.

The tie couldn’t of got off to a better start for the visitors and despite the elements in the form of a stiff breeze being against them the took an early lead.

Second row turned winger, Keith Lubby, who could hold his own try of the season competition due to the sensational efforts he has registered of late, put the finishing touches to a fine move to notch his fourth try in three games.

Lubby crossed the white wash courtesy of a lovely interchange between Alan Hickey and Andy Tyndall as well as a brilliant Hughes break to open the scoring.

Tyndall converted from the touch line to make 7-0.

Home side Cill Darra were not long hitting back and their bulky hooker touch down to level, but normal business was resumed as specialist kicker Tyndall added a further penalty and then set up Hughes for his second Speirs Cup career try.

The centre who contributed to the fourth teams success in the same competition last term took a lovely line against the grain to touch down and extend the Clondalkin advantage.

Hughes then went about putting the result beyond doubt with an effort to dwarf Messi’s by now infamous champions league goal against Real Madrid.

Having registered a big hit and ensuring the ball spun loose the centre proceeded dribble delightfully past three would be challengers soccer style before finishing rugby style to make 20-7 to the visitors.

Tyndall added the extra’s and Clon took a 22-7 lead into the turn.

A wounded Cill Darra attempted repost after the turn and put Clondalkin under early pressure, but the visitors were in stingy mood.

Alan Hickey once again put his body on the line, whilst Fitzgerald, Chris Murray, Chris Kelly amongst others regularly repelled Dara’s attempts out wide.

However, Hickey’s cultured boot aside, it was the pack who saved Clon when the were under the cosh. Graham Gallagher continued to turn over ball at vital moments, the front row remained solid in the set piece and the mammoth Tom McGratton was sensational come ruck time.

Once the home storm was weathered Clon, fittingly near the famous horse track, raced clear.

Bookies favourite for player of the year, Fitzgerald galloped home from 22 yards to make it a three score game.

Former top flight residents Cill Darra eventually got reward for their endeavour and hit back, but Tyndall quashed the mini revival with a last ditch penalty. 　

　

Added by TomDuffy May 3, 2011 (9:29AM)

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