Clondalkin See Off Pirate Attack & Earn Final Berth

U19 North Midlands Semi Final
AC Pirates 5
Clondalkin 12

Clondalkin survived a late Pirate attack to stay afloat in the North Midland’s Cup in Cill Dara last Wednesday and set up a mouth watering decider with underage big gun’s Naas in the process.

Captain Bobby Smith lead by example in the tense semi final replay bullying his way over the white wash twice to give the hosts a first half lead.

But in truth Clondalkin owe their prestigious final berth to a sensational second half team performance.

The Gordon Park stars of the future displayed heart, courage, passion and most importantly superb defensive organisation to withstand a barrage an onslaught in the last 20 minutes.

AC Pirates, an amalgamation of three North Midlands teams, produced a number of last ditch furors’ toward the Clon line only to see wave after wave attack come crashing back off a stubborn and rock solid Clondalkin defensive wall.

One to fifteen all registered important second half hits with Gareth Black, Karl Jebb, Gadraig Kelly and Darren Nolan notching up tackles of the try saving kind.

The side who remain on course to collect Clon's first silverware this season made a positive start to the game and their forward’s dominance prompted some early attacks, but it was the AC Pirates who took the lead.

The combined forces worked well together to create and exploit an over lap to make it 5-0 with just 15 minutes gone.

After touching down the Pirates began period of domination they didn’t really enjoy due to Clon’s competitive and combative style without the ball. Scrum half Eoin Brady was a constant menace, Darren Moore, Christy Broe and Allen Glynn were impressive in the tight whilst Killian O’Flaherty, Smith, Black, Jebb amongst others registered high tackle counts to keep their opponents at bay. And once they weathered the opposition storm Clon hit back with a tornado of their own.

Smith and Black combined to barge the Dublin outfit into opposition territory. ‘The Bouncer’ Smith took the responsibility upon himself from the resulting scrum and broke from eight before literally carrying four opposition tacklers over the line with him to level the tie.

Impressive out half Eoin Murphy added the extra’s and Clon opened an advantage they soon extended.

The youngest of a trilogy of Jebb’s, who are currently staring for the Gordon Park club, made a brilliant break and was held just short of the line. Clon however showed patience and after Broe, Black and Allen Glynn flirted with crossing the line Smith powered over from five yard and kissed the ball as he touched it down.

Clon shaded what became a territory battle, thanks in particular to the cultured boot of Murphy, as the half drew to a close ensuring a 12-5 half time lead.

Jebb gave Smith a well earned break and took over as chief ball carrier after the turn and started the second half superbly. Both the flanker and Connor Boyle broke the first line of defense early on, but handling errors ensured Clon didn’t benefit fully.

A concession of penalties then put Clon on the back foot as their indiscipline gave the Pirates a glimpse of the try line and with just one score in it buried treasure in the form of a final place.

However, the Dublin 22 side had answer for every question asked by the team made up of three clubs. Twice Clondalkin successfully defended 10 yard tap penalties with Allen Glynn, Brady, Broe and Moore turning over possession right on their line.

A brilliant Murphy break away and an impressive rolling maul gave Clon’s tackling shoulders a temporary break but it wasn’t long before their opponents were on the try hunt again.

And with just 8 minuets to play Clon found themselves tackling if their lives depended on it five yards from their line in an extremely tense finish.

Despite the barrage of attacks, however Clon held firm with 1-15 able to knock their opposite numbers off their feet despite being dead on theirs.

Twice the Pirates crossed the line only to be held up as Clon ensured the Jolly Rodger would be flying at half mast come full time.

Jonny Stapleton

Added by Gwen January 18, 2011 (1:29PM)

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