Stillorgan (6) vs Clondalkin 4ths (12)

J5 league

Stillorgan 6 vs Clondalkin 12

Article by Jonny Stapleton

The clinical brilliance of Colly McHuge ensured the brutal battling of Clondalkin Fourths didnt go to waste in Stillorgan on Saturday afternoon. Per usual Clondalkin fought for each other admirably and dominated most of the tie truly immense in everything but converting pressure into scores. But two important interventions from former first team player of the year McHugh ensured Clon registered the touch downs and the victory their all round play deserved. McHugh provided the quality in the opposition 22 but he wasnt the only quality performer, as numerous individuals produced moments of class to ensure a spirited Clon side completed the double over second place Stillorgan.

It wasnt all plain sailing however as, due particularly to some bad driving and navigation from the Pollar Bear, Clon arrived late to the venue and subsequently started badly. The visitors literally paid the penalty for early discretions and fell six points behind.

Not for the first time however the fight within the fourths was evident and they began to impose themselves on the tie. The Clon pack organised by Eddie Martens and lead by prodigal twins Shane Greasy Cullen and Alan Mouse Murphy as well as Chris Murray began to win the forward battle. While the backs looked threatening once they spread the ball.

And after what seems to be a ritualistic weekly slow start the visitors began to threaten. Thanks to some clever play from the ever reliable Paddy Lawlor and Joey Lovett wingers Jonathan Edwards and Stephen Kenny got opportunities out wide, but unfortunately both saw impressive efforts felled close to the line.

A show and go from player of the season candidate Lawlor then saw the first centre go close before the entire pack unsuccessfully tried their hand at crossing the white wash from close range. Clon continued to press for the line and were hampered only by some illegal home play and some of the packs tendency to hang out wide in search for glory. After five penalties within the home 22 Clondalkins bravery to go for seven rather than three points was eventually rewarded. McHugh, who was several pound lighter after a prolonged trip to the toilet prior to kick off, succeeded were most of the pack had failed and finished impressively from close range. Lawlor added the extras from a tight angle to give the Gordon Park side a single point advantage.

Stillorgan, who asked for uncontested scrums before kick off, did threaten response but in truth never looked like causing the home defense any problems. Their pack was out muscled, out weighed and more importantly out fought by the Clon front eight. Knowing they couldnt go through the visitors-especially after a monster groan inducing tackle from powerful second row Murray-Stillorgan tried to go around them but all attempts to move the ball resulted in a Clon scrum.

With no regard for their own safety or the models modelling career Lawlor and Lovett, who have been impenetrable as a pair all season, put in massive hits forcing knock ons instantly turning defense into attack in the process. The hosts had no option but to resort to the boot but full back Eamon Hughes was solid under the high ball and looked capable of following each wayward kick with a try scoring sucker punch. Edwards, Cullen and Murphy all came close but Clondalkin couldnt open a comfortable cushion before the break. Clon were disappointed to be only a single point ahead at the break and planned to kick ahead after the turn, but it was the home side who started the second period better. Stillorgan tested the Clondalkin resolve setting up camp on the visiting line but the Gordon Park side ensured it was no holiday camping trip. Tackles around the fringes from Bobby Smith, Murphy, Dunphy and McHugh and a super cover tackle out wide from Hughes kept the Clon line intact.

Clondalkin then set about registering a score that would give them some breathing space. Again once the pack raised their game space began to open up out wide and the visitors eventually took advantage. A superb maul saw Clondalkin rumble 22 yards to the line only to be held up. However from the resulting scrum Clondalkin set up a ruck and spread the ball wide. Lawlor switched with Lovett and feed McHugh, who in turn broke the gain line before producing a quality off load to allow Hughes to race over unchallenged. It was Hughes second try in three games proving he shares more than handling ability in common with Thierry Henry. In typical fourth team fashion however Clon ensured a tense finish failing to build on the lead to put the game out of sight. As a result the home side threatened to snatch victory late on, but the Clon defence once again remained resolute.

It was another hard fought game. The spirit is second to none. We never really looked like being breached and if we had finished off some of our chances we would have been clear winners. We have been saying it a while but we know need to add a little more flair to our fight. I am looking forward to winning a game in a comfortable fashion. I would like to thank all the players again. They are really great and its great to see them playing for each other and doing the club proud. Jonny Hips explained

Added by Murts January 26, 2010 (8:41AM)

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