1sts Report: Clon beat Drum to ensure Division 2 Status

Article and spelling by Jonny Stapleton
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Rathrrum 8 v Clondalkin 27

A last second Mark Molloy try rounded off a perfect day for Clondalkin first in Rathdrum last Sunday.

The petite outhalf registered his second score with virtually the last action of the game to secure the four try bonus point victory that saw Clondalkin consolidate their place in the Leinster League Division 2 for next term.

As it transpired if Clon defeat Clane in their last game of the season next weekend they will finish just one place outside the playoff spots.

In fairness consolidation in the highest league Clon have graced was the goal this year and with a young and talented squad another year in Division 2 may prove more beneficial in the long run.

It wasn’t vintage from Clondalkin but despite being under pressure for long periods after the turn they still managed to register four tries and winning ugly is something they will have so often not achieved.

There was a frantic start to the game but Clon were shading proceedings the scrum, which has been immense all year, was once more excelling and nearly lead to the opening score.

But a Kev Hanlons knocked on at the last minute and the game remained scoreless.

The deadlock was eventually broken with a Steven Cunningham penalty but Drum canceled the three point lead with a penalty of their own.

A superb Molloy kick then lead to the opening score the pint sized ten’s touch finder was thrown in crooked by the hosts and this time Kev Hanlon made no mistake from the base as the scrum powered over.

Despite not having the ball Clon looked comfortable, Kevin Kelly argueably his best game in the loose this season and along with numerous players made shuddering hits.

A break and grubber by Alan O’Brien moments before the break then saw Clon pull further ahead. The opposition out half struggled with the kick and his attempted clearance landed in the arms of Molloy who dummied superbly before racing home to make it 15- at the turn.

Clon got their third try within minutes of the restart after a Tom Duffy charge down the blind Philly Byrne executed a lovely draw and give to send Stevie Cunningham down the line.

Clon were firmly in the driving seat at this stage but Drum put a spanner in the works with a break away score. The rejuvenated home outfit began to run everything too great success and but for the fact Super Stevie Cunningham came to the clubs rescue with some last pitch tackles Drum have closed the gap further.

Scrum half Alan O’Brien also produced some brilliant backrow style cover tackles to prevent break away tries. Seany Brennan back in the backrow produced was also impressive producing a vintage Brennan performance.

Clon were under pressure for the remainder of the game but held strong and firm and ensured the win a Molloys late score.

Added by Murts February 24, 2009 (12:26PM)

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