Clon exit

Towns Plate

North Kildare 11

Clondalkin 0

Jonny Stapleton

Clondalkin’s form continued to drop worryingly south with a very disappointing defeat to Division 3 side North Kildare in the Town’s Plate last Sunday.

A lacklustre and error hampered Clondalkin failed to register a single point against a side they had beaten comfortably in their last six seasons.

Indeed the only solace for the visitors was that tie, which was a repeat of last seasons Town’s Plate final, was not a league encounter.

Second place Clondalkin’s Division 2 promotion push continues with a trip to league leaders Longford next, before taking on a strong Kilkenny outfit in the final game of the season.

However, judging on their display against divisionally inferior opposition last Sunday Clon would look more at home in Division 3 than 2.

Clon made an encouraging start to the game, via David Jebb and Paul Nolan dominated a line out that boasted Leinster bean pole Devon Toner’s brother at two and bossed the scrum

. They also enjoyed superior territory but again failed to translate that on the score board.

Carl Horan, who once again proved himself worthy of the first team jersey, Gary Donnelly, Brian Doyle and Mark Molly all flirted with crossing the line but failed to score.

Despite enjoying the lion share of possession Clon lacked the killer instinct and creativity to break down what was an average North Kildare outfit.

Ali Collier played the battering ram role to perfection whilst Paul McDermott carried ball to good affect but Clondalkin just lacked some guile and instead of going ahead found themselves trailing at after the turn.

A try, which came via a chip and chase and a penalty gave the hosts a 8-0 half time lead.

Harsh words were exchange at half time, but it was harsh refereeing decision which saw Clon fall further behind after the turn.

Three separate sin bins ensured the visitors played the majority of the half with 14 men.

Numerical disadvantage aside, however Clon were well below par.

In fact they only had cover tackles from Nolan, Horan and David Jebb and breaks from Horan again, Doyle and Chris Jebb to shout about in a poor second period.

Added by admin March 23, 2011 (11:41PM)

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