U11 Match Report: Clondalkin (5) v Barnhall (5) 19 April 09

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Clondalkin U11s hosted Barnhall RFC in a challenge match in Gordon Park on Sunday morning and came out with a respectable draw for their efforts. The side showed some trademark Clondalkin traits going down to two easy tries within the first face minutes of the game. This meant Clon had their backs up against the wall from the off and had to show great defensive resolve to stay in the game thereafter. Tough backline tackling from Nathan, Eoghan and Tom Duffy Junior combined with excellent turnovers from Darren and Evan got Clondalkin back in the game and allowed them to get their hands on the ball and start some attacking play to take place. Unfortunately this possession did not result in any scores. Barnhall then made it three nil with a score from their excellent outhalf.

The half time whistle came just in time for the Clon men who were out on their feet from their exhaustive defensive efforts by this stage. Team manager Rob Hayes' efforts the previous night meant it was up to Coach Derek Murtagh to tweak a few things with the team and saw them emerge with the hunger to start registering tries. They scored almost from the off with man of the match Craig barging over for his first of three tries in the game carrying what looked like the entire Barnhall pack on his back. Great play from substitutes Padraic and Ross allowed Clon register another try this time with Darren crossing the line. A great run be centre Eoghan set Craig on his way to register his second try of the game following yet more strong running from this powerhouse who has been developing nicely as the season went by.

Craig went over for his third try of the game before having to retire after taking a heavy knock leaving Clon 4-3 in front. Barnhall to their credit were not about to lie down and scored a superb team try to leave the game tied with 5 minutes to go. Ross appeared to have secured victory for the home team following a great individual try but the Barnhall outhalf was to have the final saying registering an equaling try with only seconds left on the clock.

Coach Derek Murtagh had this to say after the game "It was a fair result for two evenly match teams. The players really showed up and delivered today in particular Steven and Jonathan along with the rest of the pack who are starting to combine as a unit and are playing well. Next up is an away trip to Dungannon which will be a deserved day out for the boys. Hopefully the team manager might even make the trip".

Added by Murts April 20, 2009 (8:43AM)

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