Clondalkin raise first Metro League title

CLONDALKIN RFC’s men’s thirds recorded the club’s first Metro League title win after they beat Terenure College 32-26 for the Division 10 prize in Gordon Park on Saturday.

Rae Connor’s monster penalty late on helped see the homeside over the line in what was a thrilling decider that saw Terenure refuse to give up.

Connor had put them 3-0 up early on before captain Eoin Delaney broke over out wide to increase their lead and he chalked up another five points after applying the finishing touch to a well-orchestrated driving maul.

Terenure responded when second rower Paddy Cunningham touched down to help close the gap to five points by the half-time break.

Two early second half penalties by Connor saw Clondalklin push their lead back out to 11 points, but Terenure hit back as prop David Kiernan scored a try.

Leigh Beresford’s touchdown for Clondalkin was matched by Les Devlin’s try for the visitors which came after a fine kick and chase.

At 29-26, Terenure had the chance to square the tie, but missed an attempt at the posts for which they were duly punished when Connor sent his over from near the halfway line.

The victory was followed up with another for the Clondalkin seconds who took on Gorey RFC in the semi final of the J2 Plate.

A bright start saw them register 10 points without response before the Wexford side brought it back to 15-10 before Steve Cunninham’s drop goal made it a two-point match.

The victory now means Clondalkin will face off against Ashbourne in the final this Sunday.

It was not all good news for the club at the weekend as the Clondalkin women missed out on the Flood Plate following their narrow loss to Suttonians in Donnybrook.

On another note, the club will be hoping that Boyne RFC can see off Omagh this Saturday so that their firsts can clinch promotion from Division 1B.