The Tribesmen returned to winning ways when they entertained the newly formed Athy Sharks at South Park, The Claddagh after three tough weeks on the road.
After facing difficult opposition in the previous couple of rounds the Tribesmen displayed resolve and determination to secure a 30-26 win against the lads from Kildare. The game started in typical fashion with a number of aggressive challenges between both sets of forwards. A sustained period of pressure from the Tribesmen on the Sharks line yielded nothing and it was actually the Sharks who crossed the white wash first and the resulting conversion gave the visitors a 6 point lead.
It wasn’t long however, before the tribesmen responded through Mata Fifita, who beat a number of defenders in his usual combative style to register the Tribesmens’ first points. A Peter O’Neill conversion levelled the score at 6-6. As the game progressed, neither team really dominated the contest, although a vastly improved defensive display from the Tribesmen, most noticeably from Jacob Spargo who earned the ‘Man of the Match’ award, managed to keep the Sharks to two tries for the half whilst also scoring twice more through Jason East and Colm Neary. With a further conversion from Peter O’Neill, this gave the Tribesmen a 14-12 lead at half time.
After the break the teams resumed the sea saw battle, and a try from new recruit Sean O’Gorman extended the Tribesmens’ lead further, only to be pulled back again when after some sloppy defending on the goal line the Sharks sneaked in to register another try and conversion.
As the time ticked on and the suspense increased, both teams saw yellow. The Tribesmen had Paddy Finn sent for a 10 minute rest for a dangerous throw in the tackle, whilst the Sharks saw yellow for what resembled a near decapitation with a forearm! The home teams forwards continued to stifle any forward momentum from the visitors, particularly Mata Fifita who was throwing his body around like a man possessed. A second try from Sean O’Gorman and brace of tries from the Sharks meant that the scores were level at 26 each and it was looking like the teams were going be sharing the points.
In the final minute of the game, Paddy Finn, who was well rested after his enforced break on the sideline, received the ball from a last tackle kick through from the Sharks. The Tribesmen No. 9 side stepped two defenders and set off on a 90m sprint with half a dozen Athy Sharks chasing after him. In a play that wouldn’t look out of place in a Superleague match on Sky Sports, the ball was placed practically on the corner flag before Paddy was bundled into touch. This gave the Tribesmen a four point lead and with the missed conversion the last piece of action, the game finished 30-26 to the Tribesmen.
The Tribesmen entertain old foes ‘The Cork Bulls’ next week at the Claddagh and having beaten them in Cork already this year, the Tribesmen will be hoping to continue their winning form as they seek qualification for an All Ireland semi final place. Come down and support your local rugby league team next Saturday from 3pm onwards.