Newbridge lose out to Clondalkin in Leinster League back match

Newbridge 13

Clondalkin 20

Newbridge traveled to Clondalkin on Sunday for the rescheduled third-round Leinster League fixture. The day got off to an encouraging start as the seconds won their fixture 17-8.

The firsts began their match facing into a strong wind which had a big influence on the terms of the match. As a result, territory was hard to come by in the first half for Newbridge.

After being forced to defend for long periods, they did well to only concede a penalty in the first twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, soon after this, Clondalkin made their territorial advantage count with a try under the posts, opening up a lead of 10 points.

Following this score, Newbridge managed to find their way into the Clondalkin half for the first time, playing some excellent rugby to eventually cross the try-line, only to be called back for a double-movement. 

In a huge momentum swing following that period of Newbridge pressure, Clondalkin managed to break down the pitch to score in the corner. Their full-back made no mistake with the conversion in what was effectively a fourteen-point swing before halftime.

The teams traded penalties early in the second half to bring the score to twenty points to three. This would be Clondalkin’s last visit to the Newbridge half.

Eager to reduce the deficit, Newbridge turned down a number of shots at goal but were unfortunately unable to convert their opportunities.

A penalty by Robbie Dillon, who impressed after moving to out-half in the second half, reduced the deficit by three points.
Eventually, time would run out for Newbridge who despite having played some good rugby, just couldn’t find a way to convert their territory and possession into points.

In the last play of the match, Stephen Cooke would cross for a try after a quick lineout, to bring the final score to twenty points to thirteen.

Best for Newbridge on the day were Fergal O’Grady who was excellent at openside flanker, Robbie Dillon who played well at both scrum-half and out-half. Both Stephen Cooke and Michael Ugochukwu, made massive impacts from the bench.

Newbridge are back in action next weekend when they host New Ross at Rosetown, kick-off 2.30.

NEWBRIDGE: 1. Brendan Commane 2. Adam Bingham 3. Dan Jennings (capt) 4. Jack Moore 5. Killian Buckley 6. Cameron English 7. Fergal O’Grady 8. Scott McMullan 9. Robbie Dillin 10. Donal Cashman 11. Adam Larkin-Smithers 12. Kevin Commane 13. Ruan Watts 14. Declan Tougher 15. Seb Berti Jnr. Replacements: 16. Sean O’Rourke 17. Alfie Thompson 18. Michael Ugochukwu 19. Stephen Cooke 20. Gavin Houlihan.