Tallaght 2nds 0

Clondalkin 14

Metro League Division 11
Tymon Park
11/01/2020

It was first versus second in Division 11 as leaders Tallaght took on Clondalkin at Tymon Park. The weather was a huge factor with plenty of surface water from the continuous driving rain. Clondalkin started off strongest although both teams struggled with the conditions. Clondalkin played most of the first half in Tallaght’s half but between Tallaght’s defence and conditions forcing knock-ons there was no score for 20 mins. Clondalkin through persistence eventually went over between the sticks for a try which was converted to make it 7-0.

The second half was more of the same and Tallaght were still playing very well but just couldn’t convert it into scores. Injuries took their toll on both teams but Tallaght reorganised as best they could. Before going off injured in the first half Aaron Morgan had some good carries and Mark Keogh had a great game at number eight making several great carries and tackles. The whole team played extremely well under difficult conditions against a team that racked up 77 points on them in the last meeting.

Clondalkin scored a second try, again plugging it up with the forwards before eventually breaking over the line with about 15 mins left on the clock. Tallaght kept fighting but the game finished 14-0.

Tallaght coach Simon Gaskell was proud of his team’s performance. “The last time we played this Clondalkin they went through us for a shortcut. This time we made them work hard for their two scores and the improvement in our defence was huge. The next step is to improve our attack to the same level but that will come if we keep working hard. I’m very proud of all the boys who really put in a great effort today. We’ll learn from this and we’ll regroup but I don’t think this is the last time we’ll play this Clondalkin side this season. I also want to thank the sponsors of the men’s second team, the Maldron Hotel in Tallaght. We were playing in the new strip that they payed for today and we’re very grateful for their support.”

Man of the match: Mark Keogh

Tallaght

1. Cameron Byrne
2. James Carr
3. Shane Mooney
4. Padraig O’Ciadha
5. Joe Ivers
6. Sean Judd
7. Colin McKeown
8. Mark Keogh
9. Stephen Tighe
10. Ciaran Stewart
11. Brandon Wilson
12. Gavin McKeon
13. Jordan Corrigan
14. Michael Corrigan
15. Wayne Stewart
16. Simon Gaskell
17. Dave Kelly
18. Patrik Toth
19. Aaron Morgan
20. Tony O’Loughlin
21. Shane Maguire
22. Gary Kinsella
23. Adam Clarke

Report: Luke Tyrrell
Photo: Luke Tyrrell