Down to the wire

Leinster League Division 2

Clondalkin 13

Clane 14

Clondalkin’s bogey side Clane returned to haunt them again last Sunday afternoon inflicting side a horrific defeat on the Gordon Park side that could prove fatal in terms of their promotion push.

Clane, who were inspired a player who enjoyed a six month sabbatical at Clondalkin last term, Ronan Murphy, completed the Clondalkin clean sweep registering their second reverse over their near by rivals this season, putting in jeopardy the hosts Division 1 aspirations in the process.

Clondalkin, who will feel hard done by after a Carl Horan try was disallowed with just minutes remaining, still lie in second and their promotion destiny still remains in their own hands.

However. considering they face league champions elect Longford away and former Division 1 side Kilkenny in their remaining two games, Clon will have to produce two season best performances if they are to upgrade to Division 1 rugby for the first time in their history.

Despite making a positive start to the tense grudge match and going close via Brain Doyle and Paul McDermott, Clon found themselves trailing 8-0 midway through the first half. Fittingly Clane’s Murphy was involved as he instigated the moves that saw Clane finish out wide and register a penalty.

Clon’s response was positive and they nearly registered a try of the season contender when Doyle broke from deep but fullback Gary Donnelley fell inches short after electing not to off load to Sean Dunne.

Captain Dan Fitzpatrick, who registered a personal season best display, did eventually hit back for Clondalkin when he finished from close range after strong Kev Cullen running to make it 8-7 at the turn.

Chris Jebb then made it 10-8 with a penalty early In the second half, but a very predictable and pack orientated Clon couldn’t build on the lead.

Instead via poor tackling they allowed the visitors gain territory and eventually reclaim the advantage from the kicking tee.

The tit for tat nature of the slightly ill tempered tie continued and a Jebb drop goal which came after some fine Seanie Brennan work saw the volatile pendulum swing back in Clon’s favour.

Another charge from the inspired Murphy and some more poor home defending eventually lead to a penalty under the post for Clane, which they converted to go 14-13 ahead with just eight minutes remaining.

Clon searched frantically for the score that would have won them the game all but secure promotion. However, having two shots on goal and a brilliant individual touch down by Horan they couldn’t find the season defining effort and the promotion race goes down to the wire.

Added by admin March 15, 2011 (1:16PM)

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