06.02.2010 J5 XV v Clondalkin (H)
| 06/02/2010 | 12:00pm | League | St. Marys J5 XV | 3 – 12 | Clondalkin | Home |
St Mary’s 3 Clondalkin 12
15 Daniel McEvoy
14 Marco Pietri
13 Gary Crawford
12 David Sheedy
11 David Millard
10 Michael Daly
9 Andy Fitzpatrick
8 John McAuley
7 James Hynes
6 Mark Byrne
5 Eamonn Walsh
4 Maurice Davin
3 David Brown
2 Stephen Walkin
1 Shane Deegan
Subs: James Nolan, Hugh Lyons, Shane Brooks, Ian McCarthy and Stephen Wisely.
There was an early start for both teams on Saturday morning for his re-fixed league match.
A heavy downpour prior to kick off made an already heavy pitch even stickier. A physical start from Clondalkin put St. Mary’s on the back foot and a strong forward effort from Clondalkin left Mary’s under pressure. Credit to Mary’s defence which tackled bravely but the pressure eventually told when an overlap on the left wing gave Tallaght a try – converted by their outhalf.
Mary’s trying to be pragmatic with the underfoot conditions, kicked for field position but this yielded little gain.
As the half wore on St. Mary’s gained more of a foothold as they elected more the keep the ball in hand however some sloppy execution from the backs, and a lack of quick ball from the forwards combined repeatedly to give Clondalkin time to recover.
Mary’s started the second half strongly and repeatedly threatened the Clondalkin line for the first 20 minutes of the second half. However Clondalkin’s defence held strong and this period ultimately determined the outcome of the match.
Half way through the second half, Clondalkin gained a foothold in Mary’s territory and a lapse in concentration let Clondalkin over for a relatively soft try from a penalty.
St. Mary’s did get on the scoreboard with a well struck penalty and continued to fight until the end, but as has been the tale of this team’s season it was too little too late and a lack of urgency in the first half ultimately cost them.
Clondalkin were full value for this win, and credit to both teams and the ref for an entertaining game in difficult conditions. Both teams will be looking forward to the re-match in the next few weeks, where Clondalkin have promised a better pitch!