Kilkenny VS Clondalkin First Team report

Leinster League Division 2

Kilkenny 17

Clondalkin 21

Jonny Stapleton

A Paul McDermott inspired Clondalkin bounced back from last weeks disappointing defeat to league leaders Longford to become the first team to defeat pre season league favourites Kilkenny on their home patch last Sunday.

The impressive result means Clondalkin have reached half term in second position- of what is easily the most competitive of the Leinster League Divisions- and remain on course to achieve their promotion goal.

The Gordon Park side have former Leinster underage star McDermott and a moustache with Samson style powers for the victory.

The talented number 8 crossed the white wash on two occasion in a game that was vital to the visitors season, making it four tries in three games and 20 points since he started growing his Movember moustache.

However, whilst McDermott hails his moustache as the catalysts behind his touch downs, the scrum deserves a special mention. If the player, who lost his Leinster spot to Irish international Sean O’Brien, was the super hero the scrum was his trusty side kick.

All his recent scores have come back of what is proving a lethal Clon weapon. Throughout the tie a tight five that was without captain Dan Fitzpatrick , Conor Maloney or sean Dunne gave the visiting team a perfect platform of attack. Ciaran Cullen particularly excelled in the unique battle, but was ably supported by Kevin Kelly, Ken McMahon, Conor Cashlin, brother Kev Cullen and Seanie Brennan and Brian Doyle, who also excelled in the loose.

Considering they completely capitulated and threw away a 20 point lead the week previous Clon’s positive start was surprising.

They shaded a tight, tense and physical opening and responded from to going behind two penalties. Chris Jebb first split the posts when Gary Donnelley and Steve Cunningham played a vital part in giving him the chance from the tee.

McDermott then gave Clondalkin the lead they deserved when he finished from the base from just five yards out allowing Jebb to make it 10-6 in the visitors favour.

Kilkenny attempted an immediate response but Clon’s defence initially held up firm. An organised and committed team approach ensured the host struggled to break the gain line.

But just when it looked like the visitors would go into the break with a slender point lead after Kilkenny hit a penalty- the hosts took advantage of a rare defensive slip to cross the white wash right on half time.

Kilkenny started the second half like the finished the first in scoring fashion to make it 17-10.

Clon show courage and kept plugging away. Niall Nolan put the finishing touches on the move of the game and looked to have restored Clon’s advantage, benefiting from a beautiful pass from stand out new Daddy Andy Dixon, but his effort was deemed held up!

However, sensing blood Clon started to hunt the scores. A well constructed maul was felled just short of the line before the Clon over turned a five yard scrum to score when the packed down again.

McDermott showed the football skills his white boots were made for to control the ball at the base and touch down as the front eight powered over the line.

Kicking from hand from Chris Jebb and Steve Cunningham in particular then ensured field position for the Kingswood natives and when pressure brought penalities out half Jebb converted twice to give Clon a 21-17 advantage as full time approached.

There was enough time for Kilkenny to give Clon a late scare but the brothers Jebb, Chris and Dave held up the opposition eight as he crossed the line with the last play of the game. 　

Added by admin November 23, 2010 (6:09PM)

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