Athy gets tanked

Athy 5
Clondalkin 7

Article by Jonny Stapleton
Clondalkin's Third string left Athy on a high as they opened their season with a hard fought yet impressive win in Kildare last Saturday morning.The thirds endured a torrid term last year but under the tutelage of Simon Cumminsky and Philly Byrne look a potential force to be reckoned with again this coming campaign .

At first glance a converted Joey ‘The Model’ Lovett try appears to the be the difference between the sides, but in fact a spirit and Ged Nugent inspired defensive showing late on ensured the thirds recorded their first win in over 10 games.Clon made a bright start and literally dominated the first half in its entirety suffering only because an abundance of enthusiasm. First game eagerness proved a hindrance as errors prevented the host from turning territory into points.

‘The Model’ Lovett, who looks as impressive with or without the ball on the pitch as he does in his portfolio pictures, did eventually touch down playing rugby’s one two equivalent with Chris Kelly midway through the half after impressive Ross Fitzgerald work.Full back Carl Horan dropped the extra’s to make it 7-0 and came close to extending the lead after more slick back line play moments later.

Despite being territorially dominant Clon failed to increase the slender advantage before the turn around, but continued to press after the break.Ronan Cooper, Dara Ward, Kevin Dunphy and Graham Gallagher all made impressive line breaks at the start of the turn but Clon again failed to capitalise.

Lovett looked destined to equal his total season tally in one game but knocked on with the line at his mercy from two yards. John Mooney also came close as the Gordon Park side ran rampant in the opening 15 minutes of the second period. But just when it looked like the visitors going to go on and win by a comfortable margin they found themselves on the back foot.

With just 10 minutes to go the Clon, who now had a number of debutants as well as veteran and Club President John ’Sid’ Stapleton on the pitch found themselves camped on their line.And after showing its attacking capabilities the squad which boast an average age of 23 showed maturity beyond its years and displayed its defensive resolve. Clon had to repel wave and wave of Athy attacks and thanks to hits from an overworked pack kept the hosts at bay. Nugent particularly excelled. Having destroyed Athy’s veteran man mountain prop in the scrum 'the Tank' proved indestructible on the line when needed most. Gallagher, Fitzgerald, Lovett and Chris Murray also made telling contributions when Clondalkin found themselves under pressure and the entire squad displayed an encouraging fighting spirit.

Athy did manage to cross the white wash with the last play of the game but it was too little to late and the Clondalkin stars of the future held out to record a deserved win.

Added by admin August 30, 2010 (3:22PM)

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