Enniskillen suffered something of a front row crisis prior to the match at Omagh, but unlike the Ospreys in the professional game, who refused to play citing health and safety issues, the match went ahead. Such were the problems that ‘Skins took to the field with only one recognised prop on show, veteran Garry Law, who joined his son, Michael a 1st XV regular at centre, and when was the last time ‘Skins fielded a father and son in their 1st XV? Answers on a postcard please.
Despite the many changes ‘Skins were dominant in the opening half an hour with the forwards setting out their stall with the “pick and go” gaining lots of yardage, but they left to rue not troubling the scoreboard, squandering four kickable penalties. It’s hard to tell how big an impact this had on the game, but certainly when the game was scoreless ‘Skins may have been able to capitalise on the early advantage. As it was, Omagh ventured into ‘Skins territory once and came away with a three point lead, which they held to halftime.
‘Skins did take a lead in the second period when again the forwards rumbled upfield with some clever offloading, before Gavin Parke crashed over for a converted try. However this lead was short-lived.
‘Skins have had their problems facing re-starts this season and once again possession was conceded from the kick-off, allowing the hosts to gain valuable territory, which was eventually finished off with an unconverted try in the corner, and this proved the winning score, with Omagh keeping a stranglehold on the match.
Enniskillen played in fits and starts and were guilty of missing some first up tackling, allowing Omagh to gain valuable metres and get themselves onto the front foot. Also the kicking game was wayward at times giving the hosts’ pacy fullback plenty of running practice.
The score line was painful at the end with ‘Skins only gaining another losing bonus point on the road, their third this season in three away defeats.
To a man the effort could not be faulted with “Panda” putting in a valuable shift and at times using all his experience to influence the game and credit must go to Stevie Welsh, a hooker by trade, who also answered the call by stepping into the tight-head role putting the team before himself.
Ballyclare come visiting Mullaghmeen this Saturday and whilst they have had an indifferent start to their season, Enniskillen must not take them lightly if they want to maintain their home form.
Fixtures
1st XV – Home – Ballyclare
2nd XV – Home – Ballyclare II
4th XV – Away – Ballynahinch VII
Mini – Home – Dungannon and Portadown
