Rugby News

Rathdrum v Arklow 8/1/12
Rathdrum welcomed Arklow to the Ivy Leaf Grounds in a hugely important Leinster League match for both teams. Coming into the game Arklow were just one behind league leaders Guinness with Rathdrum a further four points behind Arklow.
The last four derbies have all gone Arklow’s way so Rathdrum had a certain amount of local pride at stake here.

The game kicked off in perfect conditions and it was clear from the start that both teams were well up for a physical battle. Arklow were first to take the game to Rathdrum but the home team stood firm in every tackle and soon it was Rathdrum’s turn to work up the pitch.
A penalty conceded by Arklow gave Conor Parsons his first shot a t goal which he duly converted. 3 -0 to Rathdrum. Rathdrum continued to soak up Arklow pressure and were soon awarded another penalty within range to make it 6 -0 . Arklow lost possession in attack again and a long clearance kick was chased by Rathdrum wing Carl Phelan who was tackled off the ball after out-sprinting the Arklow cover.
The penalty try was given with an easy conversion to follow to give Rathdrum a 13 -0 lead after the half hour.

Arklow worked hard from the restart and after several phases of play were awarded a penalty. This was converted by Van Eesbeck to make it 13- 3. Coming up to half time, Arklow had a good attacking play and were unlucky to have a try disallowed for a knock on.

Arklow started the second half with great intent and were soon awarded a penalty which was converted to narrow the gap to 7 points. 13 – 6. Arklow were caught napping from the restart however and from some quick recycled ball from the kick off, centre Dave Nealan crossed in the corner. Parsons managed the difficult conversion and Rathdrum lead 20 -6.

Arklow knew they had to give their all now and spent the next ten minutes slowly working up the pitch. Rathdrum defended each attack but discipline waned for a moment and two Rathdrum players were sent to the bench for ten minutes.
Arklow took advantage of this and just before Rathdrum returned to full strength, Shane Nalty crossed close to the posts for a converted try. 20 -13 with five minutes to play. Arklow ran everything at Rathdrum now but time and time again the defence held firm. In the final play of the game, possession was turned over from an Arklow attack and Conor Parsons made a scything run to score the killer blow.
He converted his own try to leave the final score 27 – 13 to Rathdrum.