Clonmel through to All Ireland Semi-Final

Mid-way during the first half of this game an interested observer – a Clonmel exile living in Galway – stated that the game was “sterile”.  Perhaps he had a point as both teams complained afterwards of not having played well.  However, it is more likely that he was not emotionally involved.  Make no mistake about it this was a great contest between two fiercely committed and hungry teams with Clonmel emerging deserving winners.

Westport braved snow and icy conditions to travel by bus for over 5 hours to Ardgeeha.  They came with a big pack, a big reputation and an infamous South African International in their ranks.  They also came to win this game and those folks who were sceptical about the merits of this All Ireland Junior Competition should have been converted.

Westport left beaten but gracious enough to acknowledge that the better team won. Interestingly, none of the team or mentors blamed defeat on the pre-match comments made on their website either!

After just one minute of play, the Westport Number 8, JP Walsh, made the first of his many breaks.  However, we were warned about JP and the need to take him around the ankles and the Clonmel defence coped well.

After 4 minutes, Neville Melbourne won the first of many clean line-outs for Clonmel. After a well organised and controlled maul, Westport were forced to concede a penalty.  It could have been given for offside, in at the side or the spear tackle on Paul McCarthy such was the pressure felt by the retreating Westport pack.  In the end, it was a well-won and hard-earned 3 points converted by Morgan Lyons.

This facet of play became a pattern as the Clonmel pack dominated their opponents. Our sources up West cautioned against taking on this Westport pack and advised moving them around the paddock. Our sources forgot this is Munster and after 10 minutes gone, Clonmel won another penalty after another well organised maul. This kick was missed.

As the half wore on, the backs got in on the act when a huge tackle by Niall Grogan on the impressive Westport full-back, Ryan Cafferty, forced a turnover and an exciting counter-attack involving Morgan Lyons twice, Tommy Barry and David Joyce.  Full back Cafferty was impressive with ball in hand but had some unusual ideas about positioning.  The feeling is that Clonmel could have exposed him a little more with some well-directed kicks.

Westport then started to impose themselves on the game and spent 15 minutes on top. At one point, their left winger seemed to have space following a great break by Cafferty but failed to capitalise. With Clonmel defending like tigers Westport needed to take their chances but didn’t. 

The siege was lifted and Clonmel spent some time on the attack. After another lineout the ball was worked from side to side with virtually all 15 players handling.  Tommy Barry was hauled down 5 metres from the line when it looked like he was through.  Referee, Brian Montayne from Seapoint – the holders of this Cup – awarded Clonmel a scrum for safety reasons just when it looked like Tommy was going to snap in half! From the scrum, Clonmel earned a penalty from another Westport infringement at the breakdown and Conor Cooney converted to put us 6-0 ahead approaching half time.

All the hurlers on the ditch agreed that 6 nil would be a good lead in such a tight game.  Clonmel attacked again from their own half but conceded a penalty for not retreating 10 metres after a good kick and chase by Cooney.  Eddie Walsh – one of four Walsh brothers on the field for Westport – kicked a massive 3 pointer after this offence. It was a cheap and frustrating 3 points to give away.  6-3 at half time.

The second half saw the introduction of Westport folk-hero and player-coach, Marius Bosman who played for South Africa against the Lions over 20 years ago. He’s a big man and he received a big welcome too – especially from our own folk hero in the front row!

Westport started this half well and after Clonmel’s first mistake at lineout time attacked through No 8. During this period, Clonmel seemed to forget about taking ‘em around the ankles and Westport went forward. The Clonmel defence was tested and came through well. Niall Grogan and Tommy Barry defended well and Conor Cooney typified the effort with a crunching tackle into touch on a man twice his size after Westport had a rare overlap.

Following a relieving penalty to touch on the “Stand side” of the field, the Clonmel pack gathered and mauled forward over 20 metres forcing Westport to concede another penalty.  The ref had to take action and Westport second-row Gerard Scahill saw yellow. Cooney converted a fantastic kick: 38 metres from goal and virtually on the 5 metre line.  9-3 to Clonmel: a good lead but not a comfortable one.

Virtually all the play took place in the Westport half of the field and after Brenny “Ronaldo” Mullen dribbled the ball forward, huge pressure by Padraig Leahy forced a Westport knock-on. He may be nick-named Pooch but he played like a terrier here and a quality No 7. Huge pressure from the Clonmel pack forced another penalty which Cooney again converted to make it 12-3 to Clonmel after an hour of play.

Most of the rest of the game was played in the Westport half. Westport had plenty of possession but were forced to run everything due to the gale they faced. This was fruitless given the quality of defence with John Stokes and Paul McCarthy prominent in the trenches. Neville Melbourne forced another Clonmel penalty but this difficult kick was missed.

As the game neared an end Tony Grogan and scum half John Long both made great breaks that could have ended in scores but for the final pass not going to hand on one occasion and a foot in touch the second time. The final whistle sounded much to the delight and relief of the supporters who braved artic conditions. Hot whiskeys awaited.

This contest reminded many of all that is good about rugby – a ferocious contest, many flashpoints, hard tackles and hits and all of it left on the pitch. There was genuine respect between the teams in evidence as they clapped each other off the pitch and all adjourned to the Club House where links were developed between the Clubs. 

In a friendly and warm atmosphere, teams and supporters mingled for hours which doesn’t happen that much any more. Perhaps it was the Ireland match on TV, the Saturday kick-off or the fact that the Westport boys had no difficulty in telling their bus driver to “hang on another while”.  It was great.  Pat and Alan Normile provided the usual high standard of hospitality that all in Clonmel RFC are grateful for.

It’s back to Munster fare now and important to remember that we’ve won nothing yet: a point Jake will be making this week no doubt! However, coach Fergus and Captain John Long can be proud of this effort (and their rendition of “Bread of Heaven” after Gatland’s Wales beat England). Let’s build on this win while looking forward to the Westport Tour later in the year!!

Next fixture: Away to Old Christians on Sunday 10th February in Round 2 of the Munster Junior Cup, KO 2.30pm.