Ardee 20-12 Clane: Defeat in first game of 2020
Clane could not overcome their hosts Ardee despite a strong start on Sunday 26th January. The long drive to Dundalk didn’t result in the visitors beginning sluggishly, but they could not hold on to their lead in the end. This game was originally intended to take place two weeks previously, but the poor weather that welcomed us to 2020 prevented that from happening. As last week’s game with Roscrea was also called off due to poor weather, this match marked our first of the new decade.
It initially looked like it would be the perfect start to the 20s for Clane. Some impressive attacking verve was on show, with the ball zipping around the backline with ease. Strong carries from the front 5 led to quick ball for Scott Sterling and Robbie Hyland to work with. Excellent direct running from Jimmy McMahon caused problems for the hosts, and his hard work was eventually rewarded with a try. Clane continued to pile pressure on, and almost found space down the wing twice, but the ball didn’t go to hand on either occasion.
Some excellent rugby resulted in the second try of the day, with more hard work from the forwards resulting in space being created out wide. The ball found its way to Noel Casey, who selflessly offloaded to Cillian Quirke to touch down easily. The visitors thought they were in again after a superb pass from Hyland to Quirke resulted in another touchdown, but the ball was called back for a forward pass. Unfortunately for Clane, this was to be the last time they crossed the try line.
Ardee managed to cut Clane’s lead before the half after a period of sustained attack, but Clane certainly went into half time having had the better of the first period. The hosts came out strongly in the second half however, and dominated possession for much of the early proceedings. Barry Connolly took one for the team to stop a certain try, but Ardee crashed over soon afterwards, leaving Clane just 2 points ahead. Clane then started to re-assert themselves into the contest and marched back upfield. Ardee’s defence held firm however, and they managed to steal the ball on their own 5-metre line. Clane were caught cold by this, and down to 14, were exposed defensively. They couldn’t make up the ground in time, and Ardee ran in from 80 yards out.
Some ill-discipline from Clane resulted in the home side adding 3 more points to their score, leaving Clane outside of losing bonus point range. Once again, Clane set up camp inside Ardee’s 22 in search of a result. As time ticked on however, the prospect of a win became more forlorn, despite some very close calls. With time up, the away team won a penalty in kickable range, giving the side hope of leaving Louth with at least a point. However, the kick crashed off the upright, falling into Ardee hands and dashing those hopes.
Clane will be disappointed to let a commanding lead slip in the way they did, especially against strong opposition. Chances came for them, but too many went begging, and Ardee were good enough to punish them. The side will be hoping that they’ve now blown the cobwebs off, and can have a successful second half of the season.
Clane’s next game will be against Dublin Dogos at home next Sunday. Please come down to support if you can!