Clon smash Belvedere

Clondalkin Women

Old Belvedere 5

Clondalkin 46

The Clondalkin Women’s Rugby Team opened their Leinster League campaign in style with an emphatic victory over Old Belvedere at Anglesey Road last Sunday.

The Gordon Park ladies might have just dropped off their second ever campaign but they looked more veteran than novice registering eight tries with just one response away to one of the biggest names in Leinster Rugby.

Centre Sara Phelan proved chief Old Belvedere tormentor crossing the white wash on no fewer than four occasions as Clon set significantly high the bar for the upcoming season.

The fact Clondalkin boasted five rugby debutants and were missing their injured captain Sandra Flood upgrades the opening day victory from impressive to incredible.

On an afternoon and pitch conducive to running and open rugby, Clondalkin were quickly into their stride with a try after just four minutes. Phelan, who is now favourite to replace Dave Behan as the club’s top scorer, registering the first of her four efforts.

Rather than just settle any premature nerves the early score seemed to inspire the visitors and they set off on a rugby rampage.

Dominating from start to finish Clondalkin touched down on seven further occasions, three of which came from the lethal Phelan. Therese Gordon also dove over twice whilst number 8 Rachel Vickers opened her season account with a fine effort. Niamh Condron also got her name on the scoreboard as did out half Michelle Rowan via three conversions.

After what was his first game in charge, new coach Gordon Condell described the 46-5 victory as 'a fantastic display by all the team'. Condell also extended further the welcome to any women looking to take up rugby. “Training continues every Wednesday and Friday. The team is a mixture of varying levels of rugby experience five of the winning team on Sunday had never played a full rugby match before. So everyone is welcome to come and take part.”

The Clondalkin ladies will be looking to build on their opening day win against Edenderry in Gordon Park this Sunday with a 1 o'clock kick off.

Meanwhile Clondalkin number 8 Rachel Vickers has been recalled in the Leinster Ladies squad. Former English international Vickers became only Clondalkin’s second ever senior representative following the footsteps of John Sexton when she played for the province last season. Indeed Vickers, who has graced a World Cup, is the only ever player to represent the Lions whilst still donning the navy and yellow of Clondalkin and continues to do herself and the club proud at provincial level.

Added by admin September 30, 2010 (10:39PM)

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