Falcons leave it late for win

It was a bitterly cold day in Lea Road as the Falcons took on a strong Clondalkin side in their latest league outing. Following the walkover against the Carlow Coyotes last weekend a game was needed to keep the momentum going.

The two teams were very evenly matched in the opening exchanges as making any territorial gains was proving challenging for both teams. The Clondalkin team mixed their attacks well as strong carries from their pack was complimented by incisive running from their back line but each attack was repelled by great defensive efforts from the home team.

The breakthrough came after 15 minutes when the Falcons spread the ball wide and the speed of the outside backs, coupled with great supporting lines saw PortDara cross under the posts and the conversion gave the home team a 7-0 lead. The advantage, however, was short lived as Clondalkin turned their possession into territory and scored their own try, the conversion fell short so the Falcons held a slender 7-5 lead. The game was a real battle as both defences were to the fore - sustained pressure from the visitors reaped their rewards as an infringement from the home team was punished as Clondalkin kicked the penalty to lead 7-8 as half time approached.

The second half continued along the pattern of the first as both teams struggled to make any sustained progress with visits to the opposition 22 at a premium. It wasn't until late in the game until the deadlock was broken when quick thinking from a penalty saw the ball tapped and the Falcons ran in under the posts for a converted try to go 14-8 up. Clondalkin raised the pressure from the kick off and really threatened to strike back directly but great defence turn the ball over and the threat was averted. From a scrum inside their own 22 an incisive break from the Falcons backs saw the ball moved the length of the field for a try at the final whistle to finish up with a 19-8 win for the home side.

The win sees the Falcons move up to 2nd place in the league ahead of their next opposition, Dublin University, who they play on Nov 24th in Santry.