Clondalkin (14) vs Ashbourne (10)

Clondalkin (14) vs Ashbourne (10)

Article By Derek Murtagh Clondalkin RFC triumphed over Ashbourne by a score of 14-10 this Saturday. In a match that was as highly anticipated in Western Australia as it was in Leinster, Clon were going to have to dig deep to pull off a victory given the fact that they were playing a team who only three years ago were the envy of everyone in Gordon Park.

Clon were always going to be up for this game and are finally in a position where they can field an almost full strength team with the exception of long term injuries and those who are yet to return from down under. In fact the team was so strong that their very own little hard man, Conor Caslin could just about make the bench. In fact many believed he wouldnt after the moans and groans out of him on the phsyio table during the week but as always he rose to the occassion when rubbed the right way.

In a game that was always going to be won in the forwards, coach Paul 'Hitch' Haycock made the bold decision of adding a lot of weight to his team by starting blindeside flanker Simon 'Burger King' for the first time this season. This move was of great concern to the Gordon Park faithful. One in particular was Sandra Flood but luckily for her she no longer has to worry about the weeds in her back yard after the great gardening from her tenant, second team prop Ciaran Cullen, in recent months.

The difference between the two teams in a scrappy first half was the quality between the two kickers. Chris Jebb managed to land two long range penalties while Ashbourne missed 3 what would have to be considered easier kicks to allow Clon go into the break 6-0 up. The main positives from a Clondalkin point of view in the first 40 was the impressive scrummaging from Sean Dunne and the high impact pick and go's from a slimmed down Kevin Cullen at number 8. More positives were the fact that even when Ashbourne applied pressure late on the impressive defense led by Sean Brennan ensured Ashbourne were to stay at nil going into the break.

The teams traded penalties in the first 10 minutes of the second half to bring the score to 9-3. Ashbourne then went on the offensive and again Clons defense kept them at bay. The defining point in the game came when Kevin Cullen picked from a scrum and made good yards, followed by quick ruck ball allowing Mark Molloy to pass to Brian Doyles who's sublime pass landed in the hands of John Nolan who broke up the touchline into their 22, kicked ahead and with a lucky bounce managed to score the match winning try. So much for the talk of Niall being the better Nolan sister. Clon then went asleep and ashbourne came back with a series of penalties and lineouts culminating in an ashbourne try near the posts. They converted to bring the score to 14-10. In a gripping final 10 minutes Ashbournes great offensive effort was matched by Clons great defensive work and the game finished 14-10.

In an exclusive interview with clondalkinrugby.com and finally no longer talking the garbage he usually does on ClondalkinTV.com, Club captain Dan Fitzpatrick had this to say "I'm proud of the boys today. I asked a lot from them and they responded to most of my demands. When I asked them who would make the first big hit, everyone put their hand up. When I asked them who would make the first big carry, again everyone put their hand up. However, when i asked them who would help me pay for my new car i thought i'd get the same response but as it turns out their not as generous when it comes to giving out money as they are when it comes to giving out punishment. Like seriously how am i going to pay for this thing. I nearly had a heart attack on the pitch thinking about it sure".

John Nolan finishing a well worked try late in the game

Added by Murts October 18, 2010 (2:57PM)

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