Defeat of unbeaten Midleton boosts Clonmel's confidence ahead of trip to Enniscorthy
Tipperary team move up to fourth place in Division 2C of All-Ireland Rugby League
Clonmel 29 Midleton 11
Midleton travelled to the Ard Gaoithe grounds in Clonmel undefeated for Round 11 in the All-Ireland Rugby League last Saturday. They have enjoyed top of the table status since the get-go of Division 2C.
While they were eight points clear of the next team on the table before last Saturday, Clonmel were only marginally defeated 20-24 by Midleton in their first game against them before Christmas. And as there has been a long rivalry between the teams for many years, there was a real sense of a Munster derby as the teams took to the pitch.
The weather was fine and still as the stand in Ard Gaoithe filled to capacity, with a stunning spectacle of supporters decked out in the Clonmel colours. A large contingent from Midleton travelled and there was plenty of noise.
Clonmel started strongly with some initial attack. They were awarded the first scrum of the game and secured the put-in. Some fine breaks by the backs sent Albert Fronek up the wing. Despite not crossing the line, it was an exciting start.
Clonmel continued the attack with dominant carries by Andrew Daly, Gerrit Huisamen and Tony Cantwell. Midleton grappled with the pressure and Clonmel were quickly awarded two penalties in quick succession. Both were kicked softly between the uprights, giving Clonmel an early lead of 6-0.
But Midleton came back and started to attack the Clonmel half. The home team were eventually penalised and the visitors kicked for the corner.
They won their lineout and followed with a very strong maul. There were a few phases then, when things looked ominous, as they continued to drive for the Clonmel line.
It was an immense defence by Clonmel as they pushed Midleton back left and right and it was this defensive effort that left Midleton rewarded with only three points more in the entire half. It was an all-team effort by Clonmel in keeping them out and great credit goes to captain Henry Buttimer and pack leader Tony Cantwell for directing the traffic and keeping the energy strong.
Awarded a penalty, the visitors were successful with the kick and at 6-6, things could have gone either way. The Cork side were most determined and continued attacking, and Clonmel were forced to put in big hit after big hit.
It was only when Michael Connellan at full back gathered from deep that things turned around for the home side. He used his jinking run to float deceptively up the park. Freddie Davies sat on his shoulder and despite not crossing the line it was a pivotal moment in the first half, bringing Clonmel back into possession.
Several phases of attacking “pick and go” followed, where so many of the strong pack were involved. There were great dives for the line by Andrew Daly, Ben Everard and Gerrit Huisamen.
What was immensely sweet here was that Clonmel held their nerve and kept their patience. And it was the long reach of Tom O’Dea eventually that touched down close to the posts. Joe O’Connor kicked the conversion and the home supporters waited anxiously for the blow of half-time.
However, Midleton weren’t done and immediately came back at Clonmel. Tom O’Dea and Bobby Doherty fronted up in Midleton’s faces all afternoon. Nothing got out of their sight, as they chased and consistently tackled players into the turf.
In a frantic few minutes before half-time, Midleton pummelled the Clonmel line and it was another pivotal moment in the game that the Clonmel defence matched up and refused to let them in. Backs and forwards were instrumental with the hits and pressure. Indeed such was the pressure created by Clonmel, Midleton knocked on the ball and the teams went into the break 16-6.
Clonmel upped the intensity in the second half and a very attritional 30 minutes followed. Some fine box kicking by Alex Sheehan put Buttimer and Davies into space early. But Midleton kept coming back and it was the defence by Buttimer and the pack especially that kept the scoreline sweet.
Ten minutes in, rotation of the front row brought young Jack Lane into the fray at hooker and Tim Nugent at loose. Along with Ben Everard, youth didn’t stop them and it was a credit to their power and energy that they won several scrums in quick succession.
Clonmel won three penalties in a row and O’Connor kicked two between the uprights, stretching the difference between the teams. The score was 22-6 and Midleton started to attack again. Fine tackling by Bobby Doherty and Tom O’Dea followed. Both men were superb all afternoon in preventing Midleton from scoring.
Again Midleton attacked the Clonmel line. Lane, Doherty, and Brannock tackled hard, forcing Midleton to spread it wide. Another big hit by Jack Walsh slowed the offload, giving Freddie Davies the chance to grab an intercept and race up the park. And while several were in contention for man of the match, it was this break away try to score under the posts that deservedly sealed it for Davies in the end.
The clock went red as O’Connor kicked the conversion, bringing the score to 29-6. And as it was all Clonmel now, it was a somewhat annoying end when Midleton scored a late try in the corner. They failed to convert, however, and the match finished 29-11 in favour of the hosts.
The win puts Clonmel in fourth spot and there’s nothing between the four sides at the top. It’s the first play-off status Clonmel have earned in the last two years.
And if they can keep this energy and intensity going, it’s a spot deservedly earned to keep.
But such is the competition in the division, it’s hard to look beyond the next round and another tough battle will no doubt ensue as Clonmel head to Enniscorthy this Saturday for Round 12. All support is most welcome on the road.
Clonmel: Tomas Stansky, Jason Monua, Ben Everard, Tony Cantwell, Gerrit Huisamen, Tom O’Dea, Bobby Doherty, Andrew Daly, Alex Sheehan, Dylan Cadogan, Freddie Davies, Joe O’Connor, Henry Buttimer (captain), Albert Fronek, Michael Connellan.
Subs: Jack Lane, Tim Nugent, Diarmuid Brannock, Luke Hogan, Jack Walsh.