Clondalkin (54) vs Balbriggan (7)

Leinser League Division 3
Sunday 24 Feb 08
Article by Jonny Stapleton

Clondalkin took the slenderest of leads in the intriguing race for a promotion guaranteeing fourth place finish with an impressive nine try victory over Dublin rivals Balbriggan in Gordon Park last Sunday. The 54-7 deficit is the largest winning margin registered by any team in the Leinster League so far this year.....

The Balbriggan demolition aligned with Gorey’s 10-6 win over Athy propelled Clon to fourth and effectively puts promotion in their own hands.

A bonus point victory over Swords, who let Clane in for 43 points last weekend, in ALSA next Sunday would surely guarantee Clondalkin a spot in the new look Division 2 next term.

After cantering to victory over the North Dubliners in their most recent encounter the first 15 certainly look capable of acquiring the five points needed to play in the Leinster League’s second tier for the first time.

Ironically in such a high scoring game it was a defensive intervention got the try ball rolling.

Ali Collier, who’s wife cheered him to probably his best ever game in yellow, prevented a certain visiting score with huge hit before turning the ball over to starting the move that lead to the opening score.

Seany Brennan touched down yet another push over scrum after great work from the front five sent the opposing pack scurrying back over the line from five yards.

The impressive Brennan doubled his and his side’s tally minutes later when he took full advantage of a neatly worked training park move and a weak attempted Briggan tackle.

Clondalkin were dominating every facet of the game and when Brennan touched down to register the fastest hat-trick since Robbie Fowlers legendary treble over Arsenal a rout looked on the cards.

Brennan showed good ball control as again the Clon scrum, which now had Conor Maloney in the front row, pushed over for a second time, but after that score the host seemed to take their foot of the pedal.

The visiting team were allowed back into the game as Clondalkin became a little less competitive especially at ruck time and as a result Balbriggan managed to reduced the deficit.

A deep break by Collier followed by a kick and chase by the impressive Paul Nolan then presented the host with another scoring chance.

The pack found themselves five yards short of the line, but were unsuccessful despite using all their considerable bulk in an attempt to cross the line. However, Stevie Cunningham eventually touched down moments later after Marky Molloy put him true a gap to leave it 26-7 at the break.

Player of the year contender Brian Bruiser Doyle then put paid to any visiting comeback hopes with a try of the season contender minutes into the second half. The powerful hooker set off from the half way line and with a run that had a lot more ballet than bruising evaded four tackles to touch down under the posts.

Cunningham added try number six moments later, when he scored and converted a carbon copy of his first try.

The host then used their bench and coaches Kenny O’Brien and Rob Hayes will be encouraged by the fact considerable changes didn’t lessen the performance in any way.

Captain Molloy got in on the scoring act as the game drew to a close racing home after Brennan turned provider and sent the little scrum half free.

Philly Byrne and Brennan then combined to sent the eager Wojciech_Sieczkowski sprinting home to round of an impressive and very important win.

Added by Murts February 27, 2008 (2:54PM)

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