Clane RFC

By Terry Hennebry

Clane recorded their fourth successive home victory of their Leinster League campaign with a hard fought win over Mullingar on Sunday. In a game that lacked real quality, Clane were never behind and were in control for long periods, although Mullingar pushed them all the way and made the home side work hard for the victory.

Clane started the game well, and were rewarded with an early penalty opportunity through Mullingar indiscipline at the ruck. Out half Luke McCormack slotted the penalty to give Clane the perfect start. The first half was played mainly in the middle third of the pitch, however another penalty opportunity for Clane gave them a chance to extend their lead. Clane gambled by turning down the 3 points on offer and kicked to the corner. Good lineout work by Mick Downey and the rest of the pack got Clane within 5 metres of the line, and when the ball was sent out wide, centre Ronan Murphy broke a tackle and ran in under the posts for Clanes only try of the game. McCormack added the extras to give Clane a 10 - 0 lead. Mullingar responded well to this try and managed to tag on a penalty before the end of the half to leave the halftime score Clane 10 Mullingar 3.

The second half started as the first half ended, with errors from both sides. Clane, through retaliation and indiscipline at the ruck continued to put themselves under pressure by giving away penalty after penalty, and eventually Mullingar managed to work a try which was unconverted to leave just two points between the sides midway through the second half. The game was stopped for about 10 minutes as a Mullingar player received attention for an injury he picked up at a ruck, which gave Clane time to regroup. From the restart they won a couple of penalties, one of which was converted by the impressive fullback Cormac McEvoy. Another penalty in the last 10 minutes, converted by Gordon Kearney, put 8 points between the sides. Clane looked home and hosed, however another infringement at a ruck gave Muliingar a chance to get back within 5 points and they took it to ensure the last 5 minutes were nervy for the home side. Mullingar tested the Clane defence but could not breakthrough and Clane held on to record a five point victory, 16.11.

Clane will be happy with a strong defensive effort but know they will need to improve in both defence and attack if they are to take anything away from their visit to Roscrea this coming weekend.

Clanes second XV also hosted Mullingar on Sunday, and were unlucky to lose 12.7.

Team: Paul Morrin, Tony Blake, David Doran, Michael Downey, Justin Monahan, Mick Holland, Brian Conroy, Noel Casey, Mark Coonan, Luke McCormack, Anthony Hennessy, Cormac Mc Evoy, Ronan Murphy, David Watkins, Colum Fagan Reps: Nial Hughes, Walther Nortje, Gary Mullen, Thomas John Ryan, Gordon Kearney,