January 27, 20192:00 pm

Newbridge RFC vs Clondalkin RFC – MATCH REPORT:

This was an open game as it swung from end to end where the final score was on a knife edge right to the end. Newbridge had prevailed over Clondalkin in the away game earlier in the League, but the Kingscourt league leaders were keen to get the win this time out. Newbridge scored 3 tries all converted to Clondalkinโ€™s 3 tries with 2 converted and a penalty.

Clondalkin started this match with all the intention of getting 4 tries and a bonus point. They were very fortunate to score the first try of the game in the 19th minute as their right winger seemed to knock on the ball only to get his boot to it to score in the corner.ย  6 minutes later they were in again after a series of good rucks saw them spin the ball wide for a centre skip move for the left winger to score in the corner. At 12 points to nil now Newbridge took off Niall Duggan and replaced him with Karl Darragh. Darragh was quickly off the mark in the 31st minute as he went over for a try after good work from his forwards. Outhalf Ronan Skehan converted. The half time score was 7 points to 12.

At half time Matt Duggan came on at prop in place of Brendan Commane. Newbridge now began this second half with increased pressure on the opposition. On 45 minutes centre Darragh got over under the posts for a try which was converted by Skehan. After a series of good rucks and mauls Newbridgeโ€™s second row Rory McCann crashed over for a try under the posts in the 53rd minute which was converted by Skehan. Leading by 21 points to 12 now Newbridge had to suffer much pressure from Clondalkin right on their goal line. Clondalkin went over for a converted try under the posts in the 71st minute. Now leading by 21 points to 19 Newbridge knew that it was all to play for.ย  Winger Liam Donovan raced down the wing to score in the corner only to have the try disallowed as the referee ruled him in touch. As the Newbridge scrum came under fierce pressure it was Clondalkin who got the vital penalty in the 73rd minute from 25 metres out.

Best for Newbridge were: Tomas Munita at prop and their team captain Ronan Mangan at No. 8. In the backs outhalf Ronan Skehan did well was did Liam McGovern on the wing.

Newbridge: Brendan Commane, Ian Oโ€™Rahelly, Tomas Munita, Oisin Howell, Rory McCann, Mark Doyle, Niall Duggan, Ronan Mangan (Capt), Mark Delaney, Ronan Skehan, Liam Donovan, Denis Clarke, Denis Oโ€™Callaghan, Liam McGovern, Robbie Browner. Subs: Matt Duggan, Karl Darragh, Sebastian Berti.ย  ย 

Newbridge are at home to New Ross on Sunday next at 2.30pm.