Portlaoise U16 24-29 Clane U16: Victory under the lights

Clane travelled to Portlaoise on Friday 11th February for their penultimate match in the Division 1 Leinster League knowing that, following an opening day defeat, a third win in a row would guarantee a semi final slot with a game to spare.

Clane started well and used the elements to exert pressure on their hosts only to be held out by some excellent defence. The pressure however eventually told, and following strong runs from Sean Dunne and Garret Davitt the forwards recycled well to put captain Jack Kelly into some space. He capitalised to finish to the left of the posts. Killian O’Sullivan converted well against the wind.

Portlaoise came back strongly into the game and used their excellent forward pack in a series of pick and drives. They managed to make it over the Clane line but were held up in the tackle.

Some excellent tackling and jackaling from Brandon Blake coupled with strong running and quick hands from Ruadh Curran put Killian O’Sullivan away down the left hand side. He made it all the way to the 5 metre line before being hauled down. A number of quick phases again sent the ball wide right but Portlaoise scrambled well and forced a knock on. From the resulting scrum Clane won the ball and a brilliant pick up from his laces by Max Shannon-Dempsey meant Clane had a numbers advantage. Kelly was on hand again to score under the posts, with O’Sullivan converting on the stroke of half time.

Clane started the second half defending their lines strongly. Brave tackles from Conor Tighe and Patrick Dela Pena allowed Kevin McNamee to relieve pressure with some excellent clearing kicks.

Next came the try of the game and possibly the season so far. From a scrum deep in their own territory the ball was moved from one side of the pitch wide to Morgan Dunne. Excellent ball presentation and quick hands brought the ball back to the opposite wing Jamie McCormack. He made a great initial break but his path was blocked by the Portlaoise fullback. He managed to keep it alive from the resulting tackle and popped the ball up beautifully for Ollie Reilly who took an immaculate line to score to the right of the posts.

This was followed up shortly after when quick thinking by scrum half Louis Malone and good work in the tight from Adam Cardwell and Aidan Doyle allowed Killian O Sullivan to score in the corner. Clane led by 24 points with 18 minutes remaining.

Seemingly convinced their job was done, Clane had a very lean period and following a well worked try by Portlaoise with a quarter of the game left. they allowed another in quick succession. One more followed almost immediately, and the score was now 19-24 with 5 minutes remaining.

This sparked Clane back to life and they attacked again strongly. They turned down kicks for goal from a couple of penalties and elected to run them instead. Strong carries from the forwards resulted in Niall Leacy touching down for what surely would be the deciding score.

Portlaoise came back one more time though and scored again before full time. Clane needed to not concede from the final kick-off to close out the game and strong defence meant Portlaoise were forced to go off their feet at a ruck. Clane were able to clear to touch to end the game to the great relief of the hardy travelling support.