Leinster League - Clane Game

SWORDS 0 CLANE 3

SWORDS only had themselves to blame after beginning 2007 with a home loss by the narrowest of margins, in a game they should have won. With the match balanced at 0-0, Swords were awarded a penalty on the Clane 22, but turned down the opportunity of three points. It was a decision that came back to haunt them, as the Kildare side slotted a late drop goal to steal the points and leave the Greens wondering what might have been.

Devoid of a number of regulars, a weakened Swords side had the best chances overall, with wing Dave Cahill give a number of opportunities.
After good work from his backline, Cahill twice went clean through, but elected to kick rather than keep the ball in hand. The wing was also just off target with two long range penalties as Swords pushed hard to get something out of a game they dominated for long periods.

Missing the accuracy of hooker Fran McKevitt and height of second row Matt Corbett, the home side struggled in the lineouts, but were still on top overall.
Clane never really threatened the Swords try-line and it was through a mistake in the backs that they eventually notched the only score of the game. The visitors breached the Swords defence in midfield and only for a fine covering tackle from Mike Finnegan, would have gone further.

From the resulting ruck, Swords infringed and Clane knocked they penalty kick to the corner. A catch and drive off the lineout gave the opposition¹s 10 the chance for a pop at and he duly slotted over to steal the show. The horrendous underfoot conditions did little to help either side, but in the end Swords will have to go back to the drawing board, after letting another game slip through their fingers.

SWORDS RFC: L. Guimarch; K. McDonagh, M. Child (c), M. Finnegan, D. Cahill; D. Flynn, J. Kubran; E. Flannery, K. McBride, E. O¹Griofa; J. Leyden, F.
Coll; J. Julian, M. Bradley, S. Mulligan.