Under-16s Win Shield Final
The final match of the U16’s season was deservedly a place in the Ulster Shield Final on a fantastic 4G surface at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena, Cookstown against neighbours Cavan.
It was Skins who got off to a flying start with speedster Lee Lindsey touching down in the opening minutes when he outpaced the Cavan defence for the first time, kicking into a strong wind the conversion was missed by Mattie Brown. With only 4 minutes on the clock Skins had McKervey sin binned in one of the first ruck exchanges of the game and so they had to defend the next 7 minutes with 14 men, conceding 3 points from a penalty in front of the posts.
Back to full strength Skins took control again, constantly stretching the opposition in search of a gap through the middle or the space out wide, and from the lineouts the pack mauled brilliantly to make the hard yards as well. It was from one such surging maul that led to Oisin Timoney touching down unconverted.
With Mattie Brown having one of his best games of the season he was a constant threat around the base of the scrum and ruck area, opening up the Cavan defence on several occasions; he was to be justly rewarded when he found a gap just before half time which he converted.
It was a case of déjà vu from the Instonians fixture when Diarmuid Scallon received the ball inside his own half, running the length of the pitch to almost score under the posts, but it was to be a couple of yards too many but Jack McKee was on hand in support to cross the line, going unconverted.
Lindsey was again to get on the score sheet with another blistering run as the midfield trio of Hill, Armstrong and Quill, who were dangerous all day, distributed well and set him on his way again. Half time score 27-3 Skins.
The second half saw Oisin Monaghan start in place of the injured Armstrong in the centre and immediately he showed great skills to draw the last defender and give a perfect pass to the hat trick hero Lindsey. Skins were assured at the back with Dillan Roberts and Tom Magowan fielding ball well and counter attacking where possible.
With the gap sufficiently comfortable it was time to roll out the patient subs and so Anderson came on for the injured Lindsey, followed by Patton and Gilleece relieving the stalwarts Leonard and McKervey in the front row, and keeping things just a solid as before. The back row replacements were delayed slightly with another yellow card when Oisin Timoney was accused of hands in the ruck, and so another 7 minutes down to 14 men. Again Skins defence held firm with no points conceded during this spell.
McGrail and Ryan replacing Skuce and captain Roofe eventually got on in the back row and they both had some good touches on the ball followed by Fergus Fee on the wing. With almost half the team changed this early on it took a bit of readjustment but defensively Skins remained strong. With Cavan still competing strongly and desperately trying to get back into the match it became an open contest with the ball being thrown about at every opportunity, and Cavan did pin Skins into their own half for short periods.
Skins were again to concede a 3rd yellow card of the game when Brown became frustrated, so with further adjustments made they continued to defend like warriors. However, having played almost a third of the entire match with only 14 players, these tired men were to concede a dubious try awarded to Cavan at the final whistle. Skins’ worthy Double, League and now Shield winners, with a 32-10 final score. It has been a fantastic youth season and the club would like to thank the coaches for their tireless work this season in developing the side, and all the players for their commitment.
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Enniskillen Rugby Club hosts Ulster Juniors Interpro Opener This Weekend
Enniskillen Rugby Club has been given the fantastic opportunity to host one of the Junior Interprovincial series games and will now welcome Ulster Juniors in their opening fixture against Connacht this Saturday April 30th, kicking off at 2.30pm.
The Junior Interpros are an excellent representation of domestic rugby in Ireland as the best players from Junior rugby all over the country take the field for their respective provinces seeking the Interprovincial title. Enniskillen itself has supplied many players to the ranks of Ulster Juniors over the years and it is a fitting tribute that they get to host this crucial opener.
This contest holds particular emphasis as Ulster are coming off the back of a grand slam campaign last year, winning all three fixtures to take the title. Additionally Connacht, Ulster’s opponents this weekend at Mullaghmeen, were probably their toughest opponent last year, suffering a mere 20-12 victory to the champions who saw off Munster and Leinster with greater ease. It promises to be a great spectacle of rugby this weekend and a great day out at Mullaghmeen; all support is welcome as some of the finest domestic players in the country square off in our own back yard.
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1st XV Secure Promotion
Enniskillen 1st XV’s end of season rampage of results to claim 2nd place in Kukri Qualifying Two was deemed to be far from in vain last Saturday as Bangor ascended to Senior rugby after claiming a bonus point victory in their final round robin promotion fixture against Clonmel, leaving room for Enniskillen to return to Qualifying One after a 6 season spell in Q2. It’s a fantastic achievement for Enniskillen as promotion from this league has proven to require near perfection in the past; the 1st XV had to rack up 14 wins from 18 games this season and 8 bonus points. It should be a fantastic boost for the club as a whole to return to Q1, additionally rejoining Clogher and Omagh to restore a host of much loved derby contests to the league and of course the added challenge of a higher standard of rugby. Enniskillen should have nothing to fear from the step up in quality, having beaten Q1 stalwarts Clogher this season, and pushed the now AIL side Bangor to within 6 points in the Town’s Cup Final. The league, however, will undoubtedly require a greater level of consistent performances throughout the season from Enniskillen, as well as an improved depth in players as the added physicality takes it’s toll. All in all it’s an exciting challenge for the club and a mouth watering prospect for the supporters looking to the 2016/17 season in September. Coach Norman Richmond expressed his delight at the achievement from Captain Alan Wilkinson and the players, while insisting it will take a big effort again to compete in the higher league.
“This has been a much sought after promotion back into Qualifying League 1, it has taken us 6 years to battle back and following the last 2 seasons I believe I have moulded this group of players to believe and have the confidence in themselves to compete at the highest level in Junior Club Rugby. The journey over the last 2 years has been fantastic and at times difficult, but the players have all responded very positively to what was expected and to understand what it is to have the desire to compete at the highest level. We now need to sit down and refocus our efforts and build towards next season – player recruitment now over the summer is high on the agenda as we will need to ensure that we have good depth to the squad.”
