Four tries as 3rd XV powers into final

Editorial Department • Published 1 Apr 2010 10:43 0 Comments

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Skins' Eddie Roofe celebrates the try that powered the 3rd XV into the Forster Cup final.<<

Enniskillen 3rd XV 31; Coleraine 4th XV 8;

Enniskillen 3rd XV powered into the final of the Forster Cup with a super win over Coleraine 4th XV at Mullaghmeen on Saturday. In so doing, they have earned themselves a run out at Mullaghmeen on Saturday, April 10 as they look to end their season with some silverware. All in all, this was an excellent performance from Skins who battled valiantly to ensure a great season finale after all the trials and tribulations suffered this season. A just reward for skipper Ben Hamilton who led by example throughout, as he has all season.

The game was played in windy but dry conditions with Skins having the advantage of that wind in the first half and had an early penalty to take a lead before Coleraine got themselves into the game and enjoyed a period of sustained pressure inside Skins' 22. The Skins defence was secure and Coleraine's frustration gave them opportunities to clear their lines. However the pressure eventually told with the visitors levelling the game up.

The backline began playing with more confidence as the game progressed, looking dangerous in possession, and were soon rewarded with their first try. Davy Flack made a quick dart for the line and despite the best efforts of the visitors' defence got the ball down for the score.

The forwards were starting to exert their authority with some excellent possession coming from the lineout and the second try came after an excellent drive involving Ross Duncan, Garry Law and Paul Crilly was stopped by the visitors, with Kyle Finch eventually crashing over.

There was no stopping Skins at this point and a third try was added before half-time. Again the backs produced a well worked move to open a huge gap for Flack to canter home without any defender getting even close to him.

In the second half, Enniskillen produced a tighter display having to face the elements but continued to control the tempo of the game. When the time was right the backs were given the ball to run at their opponents and always looked threatening, but 30 minutes had passed before the next try came. Eddie Roofe was providing excellent support all over the park and popped up at the right moment to take a pass and stretch his long frame to just make the try line.

Coleraine did manage to grab a consolation try with the final play of the game after their forwards had retained possession through a number of phases.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 01 Apr 10

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