Last gasp O'Shea hits the Mark

Editorial Department • Published 25 Feb 2010 09:35 0 Comments

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Gareth McCoy, who made a welcome return to Skins' colours on Saturday, makes typical burst forward.

Donaghadee 1st XV 14; Enniskillen 1st XV 17;

A last gasp try from Skins full back Mark O'Shea fired Skins into the last four of the Towns' Cup following an exhilirating finish to this quarter-final tie in Donaghadee on Saturday. The game ebbed and flowed throughout with first Skins leading and then Donaghadee before O'Shea swooped late to cross the tryline much to the delight and relief of the Enniskillen players and supporters.

A match-up with old rivals Clogher Valley remains a distinct possibility as they are also in the last four, so the draw will no doubt be eagerly awaited.

Skins' temporary coach Allister Keys was pleased with the way his team stuck to the task against a good Donaghadee side.

"I suppose the old cliche is that we got out of jail which we did but I was delighted with the manner in which the boys stuck to the task and the composure that they showed to exploit that last overlap when a drop of the ball would have meant the end of the game. The boys were determined not to let the game slip past, Dromore were a good side with a very strong pack, so it was great to overcome them."

Early on the two sides swapped penalties with Nicky Finlay the successful kicker for Skins, before both scored a try apiece before the half-time break. Donaghadee's forwards gave Enniskillen's pack a torrid time in the scrums and lineout but on the other side of the ball Skins backline always looked to carry a bit more threat.

Skins' first half try came following a well-timed interception from Alan Wilkinson in midfield and excellent support from Ricky Connor saw him cross for an excellent try. Finlay was successful with the conversion and this proved to the difference between the teams at the interval with Skins leading 10 - 8.

In the second half, though, Donaghdee, coached by former Skins player and Ireland international Jimmy McCoy edged ahead.

Two successful penalties for the hosts put them in the driving seat at 14-10, and it looked like the Section Two side where going to take another Section One scalp, having accounted for Coleraine comprehensively in the previous round.

Hwoever, Skins worked hard and eventually the effort paid off when full-back Mark O'Shea crossed for a try with the last play of the game.

Finlay stepped up and converted from wide out with the final act that was greeted with disbelieving silence by the large home support. Contrast that with the jubilation from the visitors, especially those who viewed the match from the bar!

While the team did not play particularly well, there were some positives to take from the game apart from a great win. There were three or four changes forced on the side due to illness and injury but still they managed to grind out the win. The return of Gareth McCoy was another huge plus and everyone hopes that his knee will hold out for the last few weeks of the season. Lastly the spirit displayed by all was a great credit to them.

Enniskillen entertain Dromore this weekend and must look to build on recent good results. There has been some great friendship over the years between the two clubs and entertainment is planned for after the game in the clubhouse along with England v Ireland, so come along for a great day's craic.

Team: G Warrington, R Cathcart, R Beatty, R Crawford, M O'Callaghan, D Buchanan, G Hall (capt), J Carleton, R Connor, N Finlay, G Parke, A Wilkinson, M Law, C Dickey, M O'Shea. Subs: G Beatty, G McCoy.

Fixtures

1st XV - Home - Dromore

3rd XV - Home - Ards III

4th XV - Home - Banbridge V

U19 - Home - Dromore

Youth - Away - Monaghan

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 25 Feb 10

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