Despite defeat, Clonmel return home to Tipperary with two points in the bag

Ballyclare 44 Clonmel 38

On the back of two wins, Clonmel travelled north last Saturday in the All-Ireland Rugby League, cautiously optimistic in their ability to overcome Ballyclare RFC.

Despite being promoted last season, Ballyclare sat third in the All-Ireland League table and, able to field five Senior teams, they have plenty of depth. With a few injuries still in the Clonmel camp and the wedding of senior player Luke Hogan to the lovely Hazel, Clonmel were down a few senior players in key positions.

The conditions were dry and overcast with no wind and the game took off at a rocket pace. Within the first five minutes both teams had a try apiece, the Clonmel try coming unexpectedly on the back of Ballyclare’s when Tom O’Dea blocked a clearance kick and marched over under the posts. And as if that wasn’t enough of a speedy start and despite a great Clonmel defence, Ballyclare came back immediately with their second try on 12 minutes to lead 12-7.

A lovely attack by Clonmel followed with a lineout 10 yards out from the Ballyclare line. Great control in the maul got the ball out to Andrew Daly, who bashed over the line. Joey O’Connor, who hasn’t missed a kick in over two games, converted for Clonmel to lead 12-14 on 17 minutes.

Back in possession, Ballyclare made a great attack and were nearly over again but for the agility and speed of Buttimer, who chased and beat them over the line. But Ballyclare came again and this time were successful in scoring but they failed to convert. Ballyclare were back in the lead 17-14 after 22 minutes.

The pace was frantic and Clonmel showed super line speed in a great few minutes of defence. And in a half where Clonmel made few mistakes, they were penalised mostly for giving away possession. Young Bobby Doherty at seven tackled all round him and Tom O’Dea showed immense power in the maul and won a turnover.

Clonmel went through the phases and showed great patience before sending the ball out to the backs, where Michael Connellan went over the line for a great team try. Joey converted and Clonmel went into half-time 17-21 ahead.

Clonmel started the second half strongly but in what was a high tempo game, there was no let-up and it wasn’t long before the hosts turned the ball over to score near the posts and kick the conversion. Ballyclare now led 24-21 on 50 minutes.

After a trojan first fifty minutes, Clonmel’s forwards were starting to tire and gave away a penalty, which Ballyclare converted. It was back and forth with possession and after a huge push for the line, the Ballyclare defence were out in force and held Clonmel up.

But Clonmel went again and on 66 minutes a fine carry by Andrew Daly brought them back up the park for a strong attacking position. A high tackle on Doherty gave Clonmel a penalty and in a game where one might have been inclined to take the points, Henry Buttimer took a quick tap before pinning back his ears for a superb individual try in the corner. The converted try gave Clonmel a one-point lead. But the hosts never took their foot off the gas and continued to attack and make the minutes count.

An infringement by Clonmel was costly and Ballyclare took the points to come back and lead 30-28. Clonmel held onto possession from the kick off. But it didn’t look smooth and there was a sigh of relief when they were awarded a penalty on halfway. A fantastic kick by Joey O’Connor brought Clonmel back to lead 30-31.

Clonmel emptied the bench and, with such a young squad, it was super to see young Liam Maher take to the field for his first All-Ireland League cap. Ballyclare began to dominate and with 72 minutes on the clock, Ballyclare crossed the line again and converted to lead 37-31.

A phase of fantastic carries followed, with lock Diarmuid Brannock and number eight Andrew Daly making great ground up the field. It was sheer determination by the forwards when Brannock used his power and strength to surge over the line. Joey O’Connor converted and Clonmel were marginally back in front.

The clock went red. Ballyclare were on the charge and despite a great last gasp of scramble defence by Clonmel, Ballyclare were just too good and scored in the corner. The conversion put them back in the lead 44-38.

A hungry few phases by Clonmel followed but it was not to be and the final whistle blew in favour of the hosts.
It was a super game of rugby, highly entertaining and the lads can take great heart from the two points won on the road. They remain fifth in the table going into Round 7 at home to Enniscorthy next weekend.

Clonmel: Tim Nugent, Brandon Delicato, Ben Everard, Lar Houlihan, Diarmuid Brannock, Tom O’Dea, Bobby Doherty, Andrew Daly, Alex Sheehan, Drew Musa, Freddie Davies, Joe O’Connor, Henry Buttimer, Michael Connellan, Dean Slattery.

Subs: Liam Ryan, Ben Masuku, Rob O’Donovan, Brian O’Dea, Liam Maher.

Clonmel lead the Munster Senior Seconds League

Clonmel’s seconds had a great win against Bruff away last week in Round 3 of the Munster Senior Seconds League.
It was a super start by Clonmel, with the forwards dominating from the kick off. Super set-pieces enabled great crisp passing out to the backs. Clonmel led 31-0 at half-time.

Bruff got an intercept and a penalty try early in the second half and despite scoring again on 73 minutes, Clonmel were very strong throughout and finished with a bonus point win. The five points put them on top of the table.

Unable to field a team, Midelton conceded Round 4 and the concession keeps Clonmel in the top spot.

READ NEXT: Clonmel Rowing Club will celebrate special year with fundraising dance