Dromore 1st XV 29 Enniskillen 1st XV 5

Enniskillen 1st XV had a disappointing trip to Dromore last Saturday in the Towns’ Cup quarter-final where they were decisively beaten by a Dromore side who really turned up for the cup contest on their home patch, despite not having lived up to previous form in the league this season.

In horrendous conditions it was small variances that had a big impact.

Discipline at times, and a lack of ball retention in gruelling conditions, made it an uphill struggle for Skins from the outset, despite playing good rugby in bursts and defending admirably, if not always effectively.

Skins started the fixture playing into a strong breeze and the home side took the lead five minutes in with a well-taken kick at goal from the 10-metre line after they were awarded a penalty, leading 3-0.

Skins defended well for the next while as the home side had the lion’s share of possession, and they did well to keep the game in the balance.

When Enniskillen did get some possession they made good inroads into the Dromore half but couldn’t’ convert their opportunities, getting turned over at the breakdown and ending up quickly back in their own 22’ with the home side having the wind at their backs.

Momentum shifted 25 minutes in when Dromore were building pressure just outside the Skins 22’ and a broken tackle had their out half cross the line for the first try of the game, 8-0.

Dromore continued their ascendency and were back on the Skins line within 10 minutes; an under pressure Skins kicked a wayward ball which was charged down and scored by Dromore, converted to lead 15-0 now heading into the end of the half.

Skins had a chance to get on the board before half time and pressured well, earning a penalty on the 22’ left of the posts, but the kick drifted wide.

The second half saw an improved Enniskillen in the early stages, coming out of the blocks looking determined.

Over-eagerness and frustration reared its head, however, and penalties and missed tackles made it hard for Skins to build any pressure as they looked to be chasing the game.

Dromore scored early in the second half and five minutes later they ran in another score, benefitting from Enniskillen errors.

Enniskillen dominated the last 15 minutes and continued their vein of good attacking rugby they’ve showed in recent months, but again failed to convert opportunities, getting isolated and conceding penalties in attack; lacking the ability to retain ball and tire the opposition which Dromore had done so well, patiently gathering penalties in their favour in the process.

Skins picked up a consolation try with seven minutes to go but it was too little too late for the former Towns’ Cup winners, who will have to relinquish the title this year.

It was a disappointing day for Enniskillen who value this competition greatly and most importantly didn’t give a good account of the fresh talent and potential the side have, and have shown on occasion.

The side return to league business this week hosting Carrickfergus with a great chance to finish in the top four of the league with only three fixtures remaining; a great achievement given how many new caps Skins have blooded this season.