Clondalkin's second home win

Leinster League Division 2

Clondalkin 9

Mullingar 8

A Clondalkin team more recently renowned for employing an attractive brand of rugby to get results proved they have the ability to win ugly in Gordon Park last weekend.

The home side produced a performance that was more substance than style to bounce impressively back from their disappointing defeat to Clane the week previous.

Chris Jebb won the battle of the two lethal kickers with three penalties from three attempts to ensure the slenderest of wins and a return to winning ways for the Gordon Park side.

Despite Jebb’s kicking prowess the victory was born from a resolute defensive resolve and a monstrous tackle count.

The first half was certainly more scrappy than scintillating and in conditions more suited to running rugby both sides ironically became enthralled in a dogged battle.

But Clondalkin with their set piece and particularly their scrum immense Clon were able to shade the upfront battle and hence began to win the war.

Rejuvenated prop Conor Maloney and the young Sean Dunne, whose technique more than makes up for his lack of bulk, were stand out in the front row and the loose and enabled Clon go forward ball on regular occasions.

However Andy Dixon looked the only man capable of any creative flair of note. The centre did break the gain line on numerous occasions but the usually prolific pair of Dave Behan and Gar Donnelly couldn’t take advantage to break the try scroing deadlock.

Both wingers hands let them down at the defining moments and as a result Clon’s two best chances to register trys went a begging.

Jebb ensured Clon did get reward for the their efforts with two penalties to make it 6-0 at the turn.

Jebb extended his and the hosts tally after the turn to push Clon’s lead to 9 points, but from that point on Clon found themselves on the back foot as ‘Gar, lead by there brilliant number 8, tried went on the assault.

Clon’s defence initially stood firm, hits from Dan Fitzpatrick, John Nolan, Paul McDermott and Donnelly all made important tackles.

But constant visiting pressure eventually told and the Clon line was breached. Mullingar crashed over from two yards after flirting with the line for over 10 minutes. Their kicker, who kicked four from a difficult four for the seconds an hour earlier hit the post with the conversion attempt leaving two scores between the sides.

Said kicker was more successful with his attempt at goal after the host conceded a penalty putting just a solitary point between the sides, setting up a tense finish in the process.

With victory now in sight the West Meath outfit raised the tempo further and put substantial pressure on the hosts.

But Clon were determined to not loose a second game in a row and proceeded to defend as their title and promotion ambitions depended on it.

First team top scorer John Nolan, who has been immense on his return to the first team, showed the defensive qualities he is more renowned for and repelled any advances out wide. Substitute Dave Jebb, who was a little disappointed with his display against Clane, was another who excelled at preventing ‘Gar from getting ahead. The young wing forward’s energy, tackling and penalty winning ability helped Clon keep the one point advantage.

Gar threatened right till the death and did have a few penalty shouts waved away but a brilliant team effort ensured Clon’s tackled their way to a second league victory.

　

Added by admin October 7, 2010 (11:17AM)

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