Strabane Academy 0 Enniskillen Royal GS 13

Enniskillen Royal GS Medallions travelled to Strabane Academy last Thursday to continue their quest for silverware in the Medallion Trophy competition.

ERGS had not played Strabane during the regular school fixtures, so there was a level of uncertainty on what to expect, and along some semi-final nerves, this contributed to a shaky start from the ERGS boys.

However, after 10 minutes, the team settled into their game and started to control territory, despite playing into a difficult headwind.

Much of the first half was about the resolute Strabane defence and some below-standard ERGS execution from phase play as both teams went into half time level at 0-0.

Some positional changes during the break allowed for a fresh attacking approach and soon after halftime, Jamie Morrow exploited some space on the right wing and showed real pace to outrun the cover defence from just inside his own half to give the Enniskillen side a 5-0 advantage.

Forward carries

From the restart, ERGS failed to exit properly, and Strabane responded with the home side retaining ball very well, with continued forward carries.

It was ERGS who now had to defend and that’s exactly what they did with huge commitment and determination to every Strabane ball carry.

Repeated attempts to breach the line failed, and with a successful turnover ERGS managed to relieve some pressure with an effective clearance.

Play progressed into midfield and with ERGS threatening in attack, Strabane were forced to concede a penalty, which was successfully executed from the boot of Jake Irwin to extend the lead to 8-0.

Strabane continued with the same forward game plan for the remainder of the game, but it was ultimately the defensive work rate and attitude that prevailed for ERGS on the day, in what was difficult playing conditions for both sides.

The final score came from exploiting defensive gaps in midfield, with No. 8 Harry Fallis showing some real pace to get the score.

It was a hard-fought win against a determined Strabane side as ERGS progressed with a 13-0 win.

All thoughts are now towards the final with the ERGS boys facing Banbridge Academy on February 21 at the Royal School Armagh.

 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE IMPARTIAL REPORTER NOW FOR JUST £2 FOR 2 MONTHS OR SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BEST VALUE OFFER OF £52 FOR ONE YEAR. CLICK HERE FOR MORE.