On a beautiful early autumn day Enniskillen’s 1st XV began their competitive season with a disappointing
defeat at home to Limavady.
‘Skins kicked off with high hopes of advancing to the next round and after a period of play in the visitors’ half
they were awarded a penalty but failed to convert, something they were to regret, when two minutes later
Limavady took the lead through a Greg Jordan penalty.
Throughout the early stages both packs tested each other out but ‘Skins were unable to set up good
positions in the visitors’ half mainly due to good work at the breakdown by the Limavady openside flanker
and Number 8 and by good spoiling at the base of the scrum by the scrum half.
After fourteen minutes Limavady kicked a penalty to touch and launched a forward drive from the resulting
lineout leading to a John McCollum try, which was converted for a ten point lead.
‘Skins did make some forays into the Limavady half but on two occasions were unable to control their own
lineout ball and the chances were lost. Then on eighteen minutes Limavady went further ahead when their
backs, with good inter-passing, out-flanked the Enniskillen defence allowing their right winger score an
unconverted try in the corner.
‘Skins eventually got on the scoresheet after 25 minutes with a penalty from Zac Charleton but were left to
rue three other penalty misses before half-time.
‘Skins needed to start the second half well but it was Limavady, and their outhalf in particular, who controlled
the game. Too often ‘Skins kicked away possession to the visitors back three and Jordan kept ‘Skins pinned
in their own half with a series of accurate punts.
Enniskillen were getting good set-piece ball, with scrum getting the upper hand and a solid lineout, and had
more than enough possession, but as hard as Jamie Johnston and Robbie Murray tried they lacked support
and the Limavady backline showed good linespeed and barely missed a tackle throughout.
With an hour gone ‘Skins were guilty of giving away possession and the visitors kicked into the corner, from
where they won possession and an orthodox back move allowed their winger, Alan Robinson, to cross in the
corner to add another unconverted try to effectively end the contest.
Despite the overwhelming deficit, ‘Skins did produce a strong finish and dominated the closing ten minutes
and shortly before the end Alan Wilkinson crashed over beside the posts for a converted try, after a fine
forward drive.
‘Skins can have no complaints as the better side won on the day. It takes time for players to settle in and
Enniskillen will surely improve. Ball-retention is essential and increased mobility about the park will ensure a
much more competitive game next Saturday for the visit of Carrick and the start of the league campaign.
