Clondalkin Seconds Shine under the lights of Gorey

Gorey 2nds (0) vs Clondalkin 2nds (24)
Friday 11 Jan 07

Clondalkin 2nds travelled down to Gorey last Friday night and put in a performance which showed signs of a team hitting top form in the run up to the towns plate competition. The fact that this team was missing key players such as David Gilmore, Frank Lynam, Bren Ward, Al Boland and Neil O’Hara along with having none of the 1st team subs used in Sundays match at home to Arklow goes to show the strength in depth that now exists in Clondalkin Rugby.

The match played under floodlights sprung to life early in the first half when debutant Joe Normyle raced from inside his own 22 all the way into the opposition 22 only to pass the ball to a heavy breathing Ciaran Brennan who was well tackled by his opposite number. Support from captain Dan Fitzpatrick and prop Ken McMahon ensured that the away team kept possession of the ball. The home team defended bravely around the fringes but it was always going to be a formality when scrumhalf Eddie Martens popped to ball to outhalf Ali Habana who sent Joe Normyle over in the corner. The second try followed shortly when the midfield partnership of Wayne Barnes and Derek Murtagh drove the opposition back with some trademark heavy hitting forcing the scrumhalf to rush his pass which was intercepted by Eddie Martens who had an easy run in from about 15 yards out. Gorey to their credit came back with some dynamic running and looked all set to drive the much vaunted Clondalkin pack over from outside their own 22 until Flanker Ollie McGrew decided that it was time to take the maul down with about 5 metres to the Clondalkin line. More hard hitting from the centres and back row saw the Gorey threat diminish and Clondalkin went into the break 12-0 up. The try which all but sealed the game came early in the second half when prop Ken McMahon was lofted into the air to steal the home teams lineout for what must have been the 5th time of the night. The ball was spread quickly to the left wing and following neat work from Joe Normyle, fullback Ciaran Brennan touched down for his 1st try of the season.

The Clondalkin pack were being outshone by the backs for the first time all year and eventually Mick O’Dee responded with a trademark Clondalkin forwards try which was instigated by replacement prop Ciaran Collins. Gorey to their credit fought hard to get a consolation score but this Clondalkin unit showed that they do not believe in charity and shut up shop with a fine defensive display nilling yet another opponent. Captain Dan Fitzpatrick can now look forward to next weekends must win match against Athy with delight in the knowledge that Clondalkin are beginning to shine at the business end of the season and also the news that club legends Eamon Stapleton and Paul Sexton are back in training. The only bit of bad news to come out of this trip down south was apparent loss of form of Keith Doyle as his try scoring run ended under the lights.

1) Chris Australia
2) Conor Caslin
3) Ken McMahon
4) Stephen Tyndall
5) Shrek
6) Mick o’Dee
7) Ollie McGrew
8) Dan Fitzpatrick
9) Eddie Martens
10) Ali Habana
11) Joe Normyle
12) Wayne Barnes
13) Derek Murtagh
14) Joe Normyle
15) Ciaran Brennan
Man of the match: Joe Normyle

Added by Murts January 14, 2008 (2:37PM)

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