2nds exit Towns Cup

Second Town Cup
Clondalkin 13 Ashbourne 18
Jonny Stapleton

CLONDALKIN Second teams fairytale Towns Cup run came to a heartbreaking end after a nightmare finish to their quarter final tie with Ashbourne last Sunday afternoon.
A semi final berth looked on the cards as the Gordon Park natives seemed more than comfortable with a 13-6 lead going into the final ten minutes, they were dealt a bitter blow on the river, however, when two late and somewhat fortuitous efforts finally brought their impressive season to an end.
After controlling the majority of proceedings in the opening half Clondalkin were forced to perform without the ball for long periods of the second, but in truth they looked defensively comfortable and despite functioning in the ascendancy the hosts never looked liked breaching the home defense.
A lapse in concentration or an error in the home defence appeared the only possible way Ashbourne would cross the white wash and cruelly they benefited from both to first level by catching the Clon defense flat with a searching gruber kick and then go five points clear by converting a blocked clearance.
The hosts frantically searched for a leveler in the final seconds and despite eight consecutive penalties from only five yard out they couldn’t force extra time.
Clondalkin, who defeated Birr’s first team in the last round, paid no heed to the fact they were competing against a team operating successfully two tiers above them in Division 1 and hence made the perfect start.
A brilliant burst by Lithuanian centre Reggie Tuma enabled the ever impressive Ally Collier to race over for his second try in two games after just 7 minutes.
The hosts quickly went about proving they didn’t just catch their opponents of guard and bossed the game for large periods of the opening half, but in truth they never really created any glaring scoring opportunities.
And it was without the ball that the looked most impressive. As the half wore on Ashbourne began to find their rhythm and to ask questions of the home defense.
Clondalkin, however had emphatic responses all their opponents queries.
Australian prop Chris Gunning, Derek Murtagh and Bren Ward all made big hits around the fringes whilst Philly Byrne and his back line repelled Ashbourne’s advances out wide.
But it was the man they call, Maori, Kev Hanlon who was registering the kind of hits that not only demoralise your opponents but raise lift your own team.
The big number eight was proving why so many believe when fit he could operate at a much higher level with tackles that made the recipient scream in pain and the crowd wince in sympathy.
Such tackling proved vital when the host were reduced to 14 after Murtagh received a yellow card. The host kept their line intact and in fact extended their lead via two penalties from Eddie Martens.
Ashbourne continued to press and Clondalkin continued to repel after the turn again defensively the hosts looked solid. No tackles were missed and last years first team player of the year Ollie MeGraw, albeit illegally, proved adept at preventing the visitors from getting the quick ball they desired.
But just when it looked like they were again going to defy the odds and progress to the semi final of the oldest rugby competition in Irish rugby Ashbourne scored tries with 10 and 3 minutes remaining to secure victory.
It was a cruel end to what has been an amazing season under the stewardship of Big Dan Fitzpatrick. The second string have somewhat out shone the first equivalent this term with a second place finish in the league and a marvelous cup run.
But probably the best second team since the great Pat Houghton, who is now top scorer in an English amateur league, donned the number eight jersey in the league winning side eight years ago will have to wait till next season if they are to secure silverware.

Added by Murts April 17, 2008 (9:42AM)

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