CLONDALKIN 37 TULLOW 29
TULLOW look destined for a relegation play-off after this disappointing league defeat to Clondalkin in Kingswood on Sunday.
Post match analysis will reveal that defeat came down to two issues; a poor start and an amazing lack of discipline in the closing minutes as they attempted to turn a 20-point half time deficit into an unlikely victory.
Within a minute the visitors had conceded a try.
By half time the home side had collected four tries and a bonus point. A Spencer Hanbidge try converted by William Canavan left the half time score at 27-7.
Early in the second half Keiaho Bloomfield crossed for another try to give his side hope.
Both sides traded penalties and with 15 minutes left to play John Fitzgerald forced his way over.
When Canavan added the points to another Bloomfield try suddenly the great escape looked on.
It was all Tullow. Sean McCarthy seemed to have got through in the right hand corner.
It was a tight call for the referee but when the decision went against Tullow words were spoken.
Instead, of a set piece five metres out Clondalkin were awarded a penalty which was dispatched to touch. Worse was to follow.
With Tullow chasing the win a late tackle found William Cas O’Brien sitting in the bin.
Tullow never got another chance and with the second last play of the game conceded another try.
The successful conversion denied the Slaneysiders a bonus point and now their situation does not look good.