Clon twice defy the odds

Article by Jonny Stapleton
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Clondalkin under-18 side recently emulated David’s odds defying victory over Goliath by twice over coming serious adverse conditions to gain well deserved results in their final two league games of the season.

Despite being seriously depleted by injuries and absenteeism Clon twice came from behind to beat Newbridge and draw with senior side Terenure on successive Saturdays.

Firstly the talent youth side finished off their North Midlands League campaign with a deserved victory over an improved Newbridge outfit.

Despite starting the game without the full compliment and playing the majority of the second half with just 12 men the hosts held on to record victory. Like the twelve apostles the twelve men of Clondalkin produced a performance of miraculous proportions and finished with 7 points to spare over their Kildare counterparts.

The hosts started with 14 men and went behind early on but responded positively. The pack were collectively superior and Ronan Higgins, who has been nothing short of brilliant all year, began to boss proceedings. Bobby Smith eventually ended an unusual scoring drought to level before prop Tom McGrath took advantage of some home pressure to give the young side a deserved lead. Ciaran Burke then finished from close range to register his second career try, after Dave Jebb had defied his coach’s instructions by taking a quick penalty and sending Kev Dunphy scampering down the line.

Clon extended their advantage after the turn after scrum half Darragh Ward once again linked up with Stephen McKenna. The flanker produced another of what is becoming a trade mark explosive line break and Ward was on his shoulder to collect an off load and finish in style.

After Alan Doyle came of injured Ward, who produced another impressive performance, was then sent to the line for an earlier than expected rendezvous with his watching girlfriend, leaving Clon to finish the game with a three man deficit.

Higgins, Captain Bobby Smith, Dave Jebb, McKenna, Paul O’Keefe and Burke amongst others defended superbly in the closing stages, however to ensure Newbridge didn’t snatch victory.

A week later the challenge was Terenure, this time with the full compliment but without several key players. Under-16 stars Karl Jebb, Eoin and Mark Blackburn all stepped up an age level and performed admirably in 10 all draw.

Again Clon were missing player of the year contender Higgins and Irish star Niall Nolan amongst others, once more fell behind to an early try. Similarly to the week previous however, their response was positive and they began to control proceedings.

Again the front 8 were immense with Tom McGraton producing an amazing performance in the tight against his school mates. The Jebb brothers, Stephen McKenna and Bobby Smith, who was back to his menacing best, also ensured the hosts completely destroyed the opposition pack.

Clon continually powered their way to the line, but a lack of composure in the Terenure 22 prevented them from finishing off their good work. Alan Doyle hit the posts with the resulting conversion leaving it 5-5 a piece mid way through the half.

Smith eventually powered over from a five meter scrum after ‘Nure had conceded numerous penalties. Clon continued to push on but went behind after they let a kick bounce in their own 22 and the pacey visiting back line took full advantage ensuring their side had a 10-5 lead at the turn.

David Jebb, who this season has given up his ongoing referring assessments, began make incisive excursions into the visiting half but Clon couldn’t capitalise. With McGraton continuing to dominate the tight Clon began to dominate territory and possession. A rushed approach in the final third and a bout of white line fever, however prevented them leveling.

Clon did eventually tie up proceedings when the pack won a scrum against the head. Speedster Cillian Hynes was held up just short but nothing was going to stop Smith, who carried menacingly all day, scoring his third try in two games from just five yards.

The Gordon Park outfit then went in search of the win but despite making inroads up front couldn’t cross the line before the final whistle and to settle for a share of the spoils.

The youth side, who are the next team set you graduate to the senior set up, now face a month off before they target success in the cups.

Added by Murts January 28, 2009 (4:06PM)

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