Under 15 Rugby Friendly

Clondalkin 33 vs Liberties 15

Jonny Stapleton

Clondalkin RFC officially welcomed fledging rugby side Liberty Saints to Gordon Park for the very first time on Sunday morning. Once on pitch proceedings began, however the hosts were anything but hospitable and went on to defeat their guests. The impressive young Clon outfit employed fight and flair in equal measure to ensure an impressive victory over bulk packed and direct side. On numerous occasions the Saints big ball carriers tested the host’s defensive resolve and tackling ability, but big home hits were as plentiful as visiting carries.

Clon were equally impressive on the front foot and had the class and quality to create and convert scoring chances resulting in a comfortable win. Clon started the better and very nearly took the lead. William Eustace, who regularly took the undeviating route towards the opposition line, combined with Mickey Russell, who believes in a more evasive approach, teed up Gerry Tighe. Unfortunately the winger was stopped just short of the line.

However, Thomas Anchers succeeded were Tighe failed minutes later and opened the lead for the hosts. The tricky scrum half, who was as destructive without the ball as he was creative with it, sniped down the blind to touch down after a sweet Owen Kelly kick and a tireless Russell chase. Liberties tried to find passage back into the tie via their big brave pack but found the route blocked by a committed home defence.

What the Gordon Park side lacked in bulk they made up for in heart and they were not found wanting in the tackle. Gareth Black, who had a number of impressive charges and hard hits, Eustace and Tom Star provided the power up front while the back line inspired by Anchers, Russell and Kelly employed plenty of panache out wide.

Diminutive hooker Robbie Williams and Josh Dunne were also on song and continually looked for work. Clon continued to dominate and eventually doubled their advantage when-moments after Kelly did his best Andrew Trimble impression with a lung bursting break-the Clon pack overturned a ruck on the opposition line and drove Black over the line.

Saints, who fought hard throughout, kept their hopes of victory alive by finishing off a fine maul of their own right on the stroke of half time. Clon made a number of changes at the break but there was no alteration in the performance and they quickly restored their 10 point cushion. Eustace made little of three would be tacklers to finish from the base of the scrum after more bright Star work.

In fairness to the visitors, who formed two years ago and only have two underage teams, they kept plugging away and did cause problems for the hosts. However all Liberties advances toward the line were repelled by the likes of Tighe, Star, Williams, Anchers and Black amongst others. Russell then put the result beyond doubt when he finished off a move he started with a little help from Williams and Tighe to make it 24-5.

Liberiteis did hit back and after they reduced the deficit they enjoyed a spell of possession. Fortunately for the home side however some superb kicking from Kelly meant when the visitors did have the ball it was in their own territory.

With full time drawing near the tie became scrappy and proceedings became hurried. There was however time for one more moment of class as Eustace gave a keenly fought and highly entertaining tie a perfect send off.

The big number eight broke from the scrum before producing a Pat Houghton style power step at full speed followed by a Ruairi Francis side step to bemuse two would be tacklers before crossing the white wash.

Added by Murts January 27, 2010 (6:22PM)

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