Clondalkin U18s book place in Leinster final

THE Clondalkin Rugby U18s secured a narrow win over Tullamore in the Leinster Plate semi-final in an exciting game played on neutral ground in Portlaoise.

In dry conditions, both teams put everything into the game. The tackling was fierce and the action non stop though the game was played in a good spirit and there was high quality rugby on display for the crowd to enjoy.

Gavin Brown impressed massively at second row for Clondalkin and he stretched the line to score an excellent try after a typical bulldozing run.

Leon Hyland was also immense on the day and bagged a brace of tries to contribute to the team.

Skillful full back Bruno McCann had a 100% record off the tee with two penalties and three conversions while James and Conor Murphy at halfback controlled the pace of the game superbly.

Clondalkin came out firing right from the start and were on the front foot for large parts of the game, with neat interplay between backs and forwards and plenty of go forward ball from the likes of Fallon, Fanning, Murphy and Doyle.

The front row of Lynch, Morrell and Hayden punched holes in the opposition defence all game while Leinster Star Franklin Onwuzulumba displayed his full range of skills, including an amazing try saving tackle when it seemed Tullamore were surely going to score.

His centre partner, Tyler Branning also had an excellent game and found some brilliant touchfinders to keep Clondalkin in the right areas of the pitch.

The pace in their backline was on show throughout with Travis Boggans, Alex Vrennan, James Taylor, Cathal O Ciardha and Dru Sweeney all playing their part in the win.

Callum Cleary also made several contributions in the game while captain Sean Carroll led by example with a complete performance, playing through injury to lead his team over the winning line.

Clondalkin raced to an early 27-7 lead, though the opposition finished strongly.

Still it was not enough from Tullamore as Clondalkin reached the final. Under the guidance of Jay Radcliffe and Conor Branigan they hope to pick up some silverware in what would be a high quality end to the season.