Under 18s overcome Gorey

This report dates back to 17th October 2008. Sorry for the delay in posting as there have been technical issues with the site.

Under-18 Leinster League Division 1
Corcaigh Park, Saturday October 17
Clondalkin RFC 31
Goery RFC 23
Article by Jonny Stapleton

They may have underperformed, but Clondalkin still managed to produce a bonus point Leinster League victory in Corcaigh Park last Saturday.
The talented youth side stuttered throughout the first period expecting victory rather than trying to earn it, but had enough ability at their disposal to avoid what would have been a disappointing defeat.
Having just been piped by tournament favourites Portloaise in the opening game of the competition, despite fielding a seriously depleted side, last week Clon went in their most recent game confident of victory.
Unfortunately that self belief was of the expectant kind rather than the self assured and as a result the host failed to fire on all cylinders in the opening period. Returning Leinster star Niall Nolan did give them a lead with a trade mark side stepping effort but Gorey hit back to make it 7-5 at the break.
Clon rallied at half time and began to produce the kind of form that has some predicting they can have a serious impact on the tournament. The usual suspects instantly raised their game and the rest followed. Tackle junkie Dave Jebb was back to his brilliant best spoiling at ruck time, and despite giving away serious bulk advantage dominated and frustrated the opposition back row. Bobby Smith, who usually acts as the team’s chief ball carrier, opted against his usual attacking instincts to ensure the hosts maintained their lead and recorded victory. He counter rucked superbly and turned over an amazing amount of ball.
Fittingly it was a Jebb quick tap penalty that lead to Clons opening second half score. After breaking 20 yards he fed prop Tom McGrath who was just held up short of the line, Smith then tried his luck but suffered a similar fate, it was a case of third time lucky, however, as McGrath took a lovely line from the ensuing ruck and was never going to be stopped from 3 yards.
Nolan, now a reformed kicker too, added the extras and gave Clon some breathing space. More impressive Jebb back row work then saw him register a deserved score .The player, whose discipline has improved 100 percent this term, first blocked the opposition outhalfs attempted clearance before stealing from the ensuing ruck and scoring from close range.
The big Goery pack eventually struck back for their team, on two occasions breaking some solid home defending to get back in contention.
A super break by Darragh, who has grown into the scrum half role this term, eventually saw Nolan register a bonus point fourth for the hosts and ensure victory in the round robin stage of the competition. Pictures to follow

Added by Murts November 17, 2008 (3:15PM)

This article hasn't been commented yet.