Clonmel’s Quest For Glory Interrupted

A few years ago Skibereen was the location for the making of the film “War of the Buttons”.  Now, if last Sundays’ table-topping battle between Skibereen and Clonmel had been filmed it would have been a box office hit for its plot, tension and ending.  This was no phoney war – this was the Full Monty, a struggle that could have gone either way on a bounce of the ball.  The hype prior to the meeting of these two unbeaten sides was of course inaccurate – “whoever wins this game will win the league”, etc.  Nonsense – this league is still wide open and I predict now that it will go down to the last round of games in early March. 

Let’s sum it up right now – this was the classic “game of two halves” because of the gale blowing down the pitch.  Clonmel were magnificent against all the odds in the first half whereas Skibereen were outstanding in their sheer stubborness and skill level in the second half.  The common denominator over the course of the game was the fierce commitment of both sets of forwards.  To a neutral it could have been boring, with two packs trying desperately to subdue each other.  Of course, there were no neutrals present so this was eighty minutes of biting one’s nails off because there simply was no room for any error here.  Another summation of this match would go this way – Skibereen had one sniff of a chance in the first half and converted it into a try that would win the game.  Clonmel had two gold-plated chances in each half but failed to capitalise on any of them.  The ones that got away.

Skibereen had kicked off with both the gale and the incline in their favour and had Clonmel immediately under pressure, but Clonmel resisted stoutly and managed to push the home side back towards their own half.  Skibereen came back and suddenly had an opening on Clonmel’s right and their No.8 beat off some indifferent tackling by Clonmel to go all the way into the corner to put the home side 5-0 up with only 7 minutes on the clock.  They wouldn’t score again in the remaining eighty minutes.  Skibereen now applied ferocious pressure but Clonmel defended with every sinew.  18 minutes would pass before Clonmel crossed the halfway line.  But on 19 minutes a Clonmel penalty followed by a great drive from Corby brought Clonmel right into Skibereen’s left corner – the line beckoned – surely this was the moment.  But lack of patience got the ball carrier isolated and a penalty for holding blew a great chance.  Clonmel were now on top and within a few minutes an incisive run by Niall Grogan had Clonmel in Skibereen’s other corner and we waited with bated breath as the pack again crabbed towards the line – now or never – but again at the critical moment Clonmel fouled the ball and allowed Skibereen to clear.  Second clear-cut chance gone.

The remainder of the half resumed its pattern, with Clonmel defending in their own “22” for much of the time.  Still, for all their pressure and the elements in their favour, Skibereen were only 5-0 ahead at half-time.  The large Clonmel support were happy enough with this – surely we’d turn the tables in the second half? The second period was a mirror of the first.  Now Skibereen were pinned back but managed the odd minor breakout.  We waited expectantly for the inevitable score to come.  Clonmel tried through the pack and then out wide but the score wasn’t coming, the travelling support became worried.  We relaxed somewhat on 19 minutes when Daniel Lyons put a good kick over to reduce the arrears to 5-3.  Now we should move on and win this game.  But it didn’t happen.  Skibereen just kept the ball any time they got it and went through phase after phase after phase.  They didn’t care if they didn’t make a yard or lost a yard – they had the ball and Clonmel couldn’t play with it.  The wind was so strong that on 23 minutes Lyons attempted a long-range penalty from his own half – a penalty would win this – but it dropped short.

Clonmel should have learned from Skibereen’s penchant to keep the ball. Whenever Clonmel got the ball they would have to use it wisely.  But they didn’t.  Twice in the next 10 minutes Clonmel were on top of the Skibereen line.  Firstly they fouled the ball and when the second chance came Clonmel amazingly opted to spread the ball wide when the occasion was screaming for a rumble over the line.  We couldn’t believe that the Skibereen line was still intact.  Now Skibereen got the ball back and, like Munster the previous evening, really stuck it up their jersey.  In this phase of the game they showed remarkable composure.  Try as they might, and boy, did they try, Clonmel could not get any time on the ball.  Skibereen held on for dear life and played the clock down.  The whistle blew and Clonmel’s amazing run of ten straight victories was over.  But there was no shame here – credit to both sides – this was a massive game of rugby.  It would be unfair to pick out any Clonmel player, every man on the pitch, but especially the forward unit, put in a Trojan effort but it was not to be on the day.

Again, THIS IS NOT OVER.  Skibereen still have to face Cashel and Bandon away, two major obstacles that Clonmel have already negotiated.  It will go down to the wire.  Clonmel’s task is now clear.  We can still win this league.  There are four games remaining and nothing but four victories will do, starting in Kilfeacle next Saturday.  Your team needs you now – we need every single supporter to show up in Kilfeacle.  KO 2.30 pm.

Clonmel RFC Ladies XV

Clonmel Ladies were due to play Cooke at home last Saturday at 6 pm.  The visiting team were unable to travel and awarded Clonmel the game and points. 

Clonmel RFC 2nd XV

Clonmel 2nd XV were due to play Ennis away last Sunday but the game was called off due to adverse weather conditions. 

Clonmel RFC Fixtures

Clonmel RFC 1st XV vs. Kilfeacle 1st XV, Saturday 15/12/08 at 2.30 pm.

Clonmel RFC Under Age Fixtures:  
Under 8s, 10s and 12s
There will be no training this Saturday for these age groups because we are having matches under lights, which will kick off at 7 pm,  Saturday evening.  Players who have Munster jerseys or other red jerseys are asked to bring them. Weather permitting, we are looking forward to an evening of fun for all.  Don't forget to bring plenty warm clothes.

Under 14s, 16s and 18s
There will be training as usual for these age groups on Saturday morning.

Under 14s are scheduled to travel to Thurles on Sunday but there is some doubt as to whether this will go ahead.   We will know by Saturday morning

Under 16s have an away match against Fethard but again we are awaiting confirmation, and should be able to let players know on Saturday.