Enniskillen came good late in the game with two tries in the final five minutes to secure a hard fought win in a game where the visitors’ rugged defence was to the fore.
There was nothing between the teams in the first half and despite the visitors briefly being reduced to fourteen on two occasions, when players left to be treated for injury, ‘Skins could not make the numerical advantage count.
There were moments during the half when ‘Skins did spark into life. On thirty minutes some great support play and offloading between forwards and backs alike took play within sight of the Letterkenny “22”, but the final pass went to ground. Then three minutes later the best opening of the match fell to Michael Law as he burst through the defensive line, but with Robbie Murray on his shoulder he could not free the ball for the offload and when trying to reach the line, the ball was knocked on.
‘Skins finished the half on top with two missed penalties in the final two minutes, but a rather uninspiring first half ended 0 – 0.
The second half opened with little sign of any change, although James McIntyre did give ‘Skins a three point lead after ten minutes.
The game had slipped into a midfield battle but in truth it was ‘Skins who had the better of the possession and territory. I did come as some relief to the home supporters when Ally Duncan scored the game’s first try after thirty-five minutes and it was an individual effort from distance after a scrappy period of play in midfield. Letterkenny defended stoutly, but somewhat narrow and for once ‘Skins managed to recycle the ball quickly, shifting it out wide into space, which Duncan exploited.
‘Skins then pressed to seal the game and with the last action of the game, stand-in skipper for the day, Ricky Connor, chipped over the defensive line for Nigel Johnston to race onto and score. McIntyre slotted the conversion to give ‘Skins a healthier looking 15 – 0 victory.
Given the changes and lack of a match the previous week this was a pleasing victory. Letterkenny to their credit did make life difficult and the fact that they created so little scoring opportunities was probably the biggest positive to take from the game.
Fixtures
2nd XV – Away – Ballymena
3rd XV – Home – Rainey OB
Under-19 – Home – City of Derry
Under-13 – Away – Tir Chonaill
Sunday 16th October
Ladies – Home – Longford
SPECIAL FEATURE
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