Emphatic win seals final spot

Editorial Department • Published 15 Apr 2010 10:28 0 Comments

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Action from Enniskillen's victory over Rainey on Saturday at Mullaghameen.<<

Enniskillen U17s 32; Rainey U17s 0;

Enniskillen's under-17 squad went into this match off the back of an impressive quarter-final victory and secured an emphatic win to progress to the final of the Under-17 plate, to be played on April 24th. The side started slowly and allowed the visitors to mount some pressure in the opening ten minutes but their defence was sound and served as a wake up call to everyone, and a reminder that past victories count for nothing in cup rugby.

'Skins managed to get themselves into the game and from the first piece of concerted pressure on the visitors' line, they managed to secure three points with a penalty from the boot of Sean Michael Breen.

The team started now to replicate the performance they put in against Armagh in the previous game with the forwards tying in the defence with excellent possession and ball retention, and a try soon followed. Stuart Phair took quick ball off the top of a Rainey lineout and the ball was moved swiftly along the backline where Charlie Barrett scored an unconverted try from outside centre.

'Skins were in command but were inflicted with "white line fever" as they squandered a number of chances, with some players guilty of being too greedy, with team-mates often better placed to finish things off.

The second period brought more of the same as 'Skins maintained a superior territorial advantage, with the forwards still showing excellent ball retention and the back always looking threatening. It was the forwards through Phair who provided the next score when he picked up from the base of a scrum on the visitors' "22" and powered his way through the defence for a converted try and 15 point lead.

'Skins constant barrage on the visitors was taking its toll and when a clearing kick was fielded by Dennis Green he danced his way through the defence with some lovely footwork before being stopped short of the line. Excellent recycling kept the move going and Aaron Love was the beneficiary with the team's third try.

'Skins then took the opportunity to make five changes to personnel and for a short spell the move allowed Rainey back into the game. However this was short-lived, when some great counter rucking from the forwards saw them take the ball on their own "22" and Barrett chased his own kick to score a great solo try, which was converted, stretching the lead to 27-0.

Mickey Hoy then completed the scoring with a try after the backs had managed to squander a two man overlap. As with the Armagh quarter-final the forwards were again superb with the backrow of Dale Johnston, James Fawcett and Stuart Phair to the fore. A special mention must be made also of the contribution of Fergal Lynam and Dennis Green. Both these lads have made a big step up from what was last season's under-14 side and have been outstanding in the last two games.

As already said an excellent win but one from which there are still lessons to be learnt. More composure is needed in attack, which have made this a more comfortable win, and may prove the difference on another day.

Fixtures

2nd XV - Away - Coleraine

3rd XV - Away Belfast High School FP

Mini - Away - Omagh Blitz

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 15 Apr 10

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