Ratoath started very brightly, putting Clondalkin under pressure with good line speed, and forcing them back deep into their own half. The pack worked hard to force some early turnovers, and after a lovely move where we passed the ball the width of the park, Robbie streaked into the corner for his first competitive score for Ratoath.

Unfortunately we let our guard down straight after, and Clondalkin were not long coming back with a try of their own. Towards the end of the first half they got over for their second score, this was despite Ratoath continuing to play well, pressurizing the opposition in defense, and moving the ball wide well in attack. Emmet showed fierce determination in the tight to burst through heavy traffic, and Laurie was tigerish in the tight spaces, and Mint made a few good line breaks. Harry & Caelan exploited space well. James & Charlie rumbled well and Matthew and both Lukes are continuing to improve. Unfortunately our good possession in the first half was not well rewarded, and we spilled a lot of ball in contact, and with some poor handling.

In the second half we continued to play well. Captain Ben was always making a huge difference in the tight - and his pre-match and half-time speeches was having the desired effect on his team mates. Brian made a good tackle and rip in the middle of the park, beat a number of players and touched down under the sticks to retake the lead by 2 points. Unfortunately we could never fully contain Clondalkins big number 20. He was probably the biggest player we have faced all season, and despite a number of great tackles on him by our lads, including one Peter-Stringer-esque ankle tap by Ross, he still managed to get over for his second try of the match and the deciding score of the game. Although Ratoath came back once again after Ryan found a super 50M touch near the opposition try line, our late pressure was not rewarded with a score that would have taken the game.

Well done forwards Ben, James, Charlie, Gavin, Mint, Ross, Robbie, Cian C, Emmet, Luke F and backs Laurie, Ryan L, Brian, Harry, Matthew, Cian B, Adam, Luke M and Caelan. The coaches and parents watching were proud of all of you today.

Man of the match was Adam who made plenty of ground up the right wing in both halves and put in some good tackles despite having to come off a few times for treatment. Tackler of the match goes to Brian, who stopped more than his fair share of heavy traffic in the middle of the park.

The January Player of the month award goes to Ross, who always sets a good example to his team-mates - working hard in the tight and never giving the opposition an inch. The January Most Improved Player goes to Ryan L, who has slotted so well into out half, with some very assured kicking displays.