Clane RFC

A stunning team try, finished by Anthony Hennessy in the corner deep into injury time saw Clane collect the maximum five points on offer against a dogged Kilkenny side in Sundays Leinster League Division two clash.

On a dry day in Clane, conditions were ideal for an open expansive game of rugby which is exactly what both of these sides delivered. The game started at a quick pace with both sides looking to get the ball wide early, and after 13 minutes it was Clane who got the games opening try. A penalty on half way was run by scrum half Alan O Neill who found number 8 Brian Conroy on his shoulder. Conroy ran at the Kilkenny defence who were slow to retreat before offloading to the oncoming Mark Coonan. Coonan, with a lot still to do, produced a great sidestep on the Kilkenny fullback and ran in under the posts to finish superbly. He also added the conversion to give Clane the perfect start. That was to be the only score of the first half, however Clane can count themselves very fortunate that the Kilkenny winger had not brought his kicking boots with him, as he missed a couple of straightforward kicks at goal towards the end of the half.

Kilkenny were quick off the mark in the second half and converted a penalty to reduce the arrears to 7 - 3 early in the half. This was to be close as they would get however, as Clane seemed to find another gear and after some good work close in by Tony Blake, he passed wide to the industrious Niall Brennan to crash over for Clane's second try. Coonan was unlucky with the conversion and so midway through the second half, Clane lead 12 - 3. Kilkenny pressed hard towards the end but a solid defensive effort lead by Mick Holland, Gary Mullen and Dave Doran kept them from crossing Clane's line.

With time running out, it looked like Clane only had to wind down the clock to secure victory. However, with 2 minutes left, the Clane backline combined excellently to send wing Colum Fagan in for the games third try. His sweetly hit touchline conversion meant Clane lead by 19 - 3 with less than a minute to go.

From the resulting restart, and with time up, Clane went for the jugular and ran the ball from their own 22. After a number of phases, a powerful Dave Watkins break and a great tackle by Michael Holland to turn the ball over after Kilkenny had regained the ball, Clane spread the ball wide and Gordon Kearney and Anthony Hennessy combined excellently before Hennessy touched down in the corner. That secured the winning bonus point which seemed so unlikely only 5 minutes earlier but was richly deserved

On a day when all players played well, it was Mick Holland, Gary Mullen and man of the match Niall Brennan that stood out up front, while Alan O Neill, Cormac McEvoy and Ronan Murphy were a constant threat in the backs.

Clane now have a weekend off and return to action on Sunday, October 24th away to Edenderry. All support welcome

Team: Paul Morrin, Gary Mullen, David Doran, Thomas John Ryan, Justin Monahan, Niall Brennan, Michael Holland, Brian Conroy, Alan O Neill, Mark Coonan, Anthony Hennessy, Cormac Mc Evoy, Ronan Murphy, David Watkins, Gordon Kearney Reps: Wayne Fox, Tony Blake, Fergal Corbett, Colum Fagan, Tony McLoughlan