HAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Boys COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Within minutes Valley demonstrated the power of their scrum and R Wilson was able to make yards into the Clondalkin half. Valley continued the pressure and a penalty award seen them take an early lead with the kick from Holme.
As to be expected in a cup tie the rucks and mauls were fiercely contested and the result was both sides could not obtain clean possession with the inevitable knock on leading to scrums which Valley dominated throughout the game. In the lineout Valley were also on top and took the first two Clondalkin throws. The result was that Clondalkin had little possession with which to release their talented backs. It was no surprise when Holme kicked another penalty for a Valley 6-0 lead. Valley continued to pressure but at times lived dangerously when Clondalkin out half Chris Jebb made a number of half breaks. The first half ended with Valley leading 6-0 but the game was not one for spectators as there was little flowing rugby and a succession of scrums and lineouts.
Valley started to rotate players, this allowed Clondalkin to start the better in the second half though they were not seriously threatening the Valley line. A feature of this period was two charge downs of Clondalkin kicks by Valley hooker Cobane which relieved the pressure. Valley returned to the attack and it was not long until prop Bennett barged over from close range and with Holmes kick Valley led 13-0 and the game seemed safe. Valley relaxed and quickly paid the price when the Clondalkin hooker picked up a loose ball on half way and helped by some poor Valley tackling ran under the posts for a converted try.
Clondalkin were back in the game and then had a man advantage when the Valley No 10 was yellow carded. Despite this Valley’s 7 man pack were holding their own, with man of the match BJ Wilson stopping numerous Clondalkin attacks with a fine display of defensive tackling. Even in the scrum Valley were still dominating with 7 players. Clondalkin continued to attack but a fine midfield tackle on the Valley 22 saw centre Dunlop hack the ball a full 60 metres and Clondalkin were penalised in the ensuing ruck. Holmes kick restored Valleys lead to 16-7 and with only minutes left the Valley supporters were celebrating. Too soon however as again poor Valley tackling allowed Jebb to run in a simple try which he then converted to leave his side only 14-16 down and minutes to play. It was a nervy final minutes for Valley who had been the better team throughout but they kept Clondalkin pinned in their 22 for the period and a final penalty to touch sealed the victory.
Both sides will be happy with the result. Valley with the win and Clondalkin with the spirited performance in their first All-Ireland Junior Cup game.
