Definitely an AIL win that got away on a disappointing day for Clonmel RFC

ALL IRELAND LEAGUE DIVISION 2C

CLONMEL 10 SKERRIES 18

Those who understand the “black swan” theory will realise that, yes, there can be days in Ard Gaoithe when the wind doesn’t blow. That’s where the good news ends. On Saturday last, the fourth-placed team hosted the third-placed outfit so it was always going to be a tight contest.

Tight it was – the first half, which was littered by mistakes from both teams, saw two evenly-matched sides almost cancel each other out. That first period also saw at least 12 penalties shared by both teams in a game where overly-fussy officiating created a staccato-like chain of events rather than a free-flowing game of rugby.

Both teams probed the opposition defences without much reward while there was nothing between them in either scrummaging or maul. Clonmel had the better lineout throughout but Skerries’ deficiencies in this regard were not significant enough to give any advantage to Clonmel.

One effective strategy by the visitors saw them employ their big, rangy second-row as an auxiliary centre in midfield - his barging forays usually needed two Clonmel players to take him down. Something had to give and it did on 17 minutes. An infringement by the visitors gave Clonmel a shot at goal and Dylan Cadogan obliged to put the home side 3-0 ahead.

The game resumed as an arm wrestle mostly played out in midfield – but how quickly things can change. A clever cross-field kick by the Skerries’ outhalf landed neatly in the winger’s arms – Clonmel was caught cold as he coasted down the left wing to score in the corner. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful but, out of the blue, the visitors were 8-3 ahead.

Clonmel hit back immediately and drove into the visitors’ 22 where they won a kickable penalty – however, the decision was made to go to the corner. The resultant lineout and maul did not go to plan and the home side lost possession so gained nothing. The first period ended with the home side trailing 3-8.

The early period of the second half saw Clonmel regain their composure and strong running in the centre by both Andrew Daly and Luke Hogan created plenty of problems for the visitors. Clonmel seemed to be in control now and a good move saw Daly dotting down to put the home side level at 8-8. Cadogan’s conversion increased that lead to 10-8.

Cashel edge Fethard after extra-time in eleven-try Munster Plate thriller

The home side were putting their stamp on this match – they were reasonably happy. They continued strongly and on 64 minutes a great break down his right wing saw Dean Slattery come within an inch of scoring. The ball was then whipped across to the opposite wing where Ross Slattery went over in the corner. The wild celebrations were quickly quenched by the touch judge’s flag – Slattery had put a foot in touch. Oh for a James Lowe moment. On such tiny margins are games decided – had Slattery scored, it could easily have been the match winner.

How cruel that was – minutes later Skerries harried Clonmel into coughing up a penalty which they converted to give them a one-point lead at 11-10 with just over 10 minutes left.

Time to consider the inconceivable – a losing bonus point? No, Clonmel were good enough to win this match. The contest remained a scrappy one, with both sides exchanging penalties. The hosts were now having difficulty in exiting their own 22 and Skerries kept pounding at the home defence. A Skerries penalty on 76 minutes was kicked into the corner and from the resulting maul, the visitors drove over in the corner to put themselves 16-10 ahead. Against all the odds, a terrific conversion from the touchline by the visitors full-back put Skerries 18-10 ahead.

Clonmel won another penalty but it was in the wrong area of the pitch and nothing was gained from it. The full-time whistle was a crushing sound – the home side was left empty-handed at the end of a game which they could have, and should have, won. It was a huge disappointment to a team which had worked so hard and seemed to have a good measure of control during the second half. But, too many good moves were spoiled by handling errors and spilled passes. This was one that definitely got away.

The result does not damage Clonmel’s league position – they remain fourth in the table with three games (two away and one home) remaining – but the chasing pack have edged closer.
The upcoming Six Nations break will provide time to recalibrate and to prepare for the home straight.