Under 18s ready to make a valuable point

Atricle by Jonny Stapleton

Unlike the seniors the majority of Clondalkin’s under-18 outfit are too young to enjoy a new year’s beverage, but coach Ken McMahon still hopes his talented underage charges will enjoy some form of point this coming weekend.

If Clondalkin emerge victorious from this weekends tie against Terenure with a single point they will qualify for the final eight of the Leinster League Division 1 quarter finals.

After under performing and subsequently suffering tight defeat, to a side they usually record easy victory against, Clane, the reigning North Midlands Shield winners believed their league hopes were extinguished.

The Gordon Park outfit however, received a welcome Christmas present when they were informed they currently lie just a point off fourth spot with a game in hand over Newbridge the side that just about lie above them.

Hence victory this weekend will see them achieve their pre season target and qualify for the quarter finals of the prestigious tournament. And second team prop and third team aspirer Ken McMahon hopes the clubs members will relish the chance to take in a quality game after a Christmas packed with weekends at home and support the young starlets.

“We just need one point to make it to the last eight,” McMahon exclusively told the Clondalkin website. “Newbridge, a team we have beaten comfortably throughout our underage term, are a point ahead of us. It’s a very important game, and hopefully we will get the support out to give the lads a boost.”

A time has yet to be confirmed, but the tie has to be played this weekend and despite an inconsistent season McMahon is confident his side can get the result they need.

“It’s a first year at 18s for a lot of the players, so they can compete here again next year, but we are more than capable of winning. We have let ourselves down this term not finishing off games and limiting ourselves to brave comeback attempts. We need to stay focused from start to finish and if we do that we can beat anybody.”

Clondalkin under 18 will play Terenure this weekend in the final round robin game of the Leinster League exact date and time to be confirmed.

Added by Murts January 2, 2009 (11:28AM)

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