In a scintillating top of the table clash on Saturday last, Enniskillen exacted revenge on their near neighbours Ballyshannon who had inflicted a one point defeat some weeks earlier to take pole position at the top of the table and kept the pressure in what is sure to be a battle right through to the end of the season.
It was the visitors that opened the scoring when young second row Richard Gallagher took a clean catch in the line-out the ball was fed to out half Ray Gallagher who threaded through a grubber kick which centre Mark Rooney pounced upon and popped a pass to Richard Gallagher again to go over for his first try of the season and just reward for so many fine performances this season by the dynamic second row.
Ray Gallagher added the conversion and soon added a penalty to push his side into an 10-0 lead but Enniskillen responded quickly with a try of their own. The physically stronger home side were gaining the upper hand against a very young but game Ballyshannon side. Skins pressure began to tell and with another try, conversion and a penalty were soon 17-10 ahead.
It was now a moment of brilliance from centre Mark Rooney who weaved his way through the Skins defence to cross the whitewash and with the conversion Shannon looked to have salvaged a point from what was a very tough encounter, however things were soon to become unstuck for the young Ballyshannon team when Enniskillen pressure drove them deep into Ballyshannon territory and after a very dubious refereeing decision Enniskillen were awarded a try when one of their players landed on the ball with his rear end over the try line but the Belfast referee deemed him to have it under control much to the dismay of the Ballyshannon Side, with the added conversion Enniskillen went in with a 24-17 win and two vital league points which will see them stay within touching distance of their near rivals.
This was a very good and tough test for the Ballyshannon side who have been rejuvenated this year and to take into account that their panel of 18 on Saturday had 5 players in their first ever season playing rugby is testament to the spirit within this small club and to the hard work being put in by player coach Raymond Gallagher who also coaches the club’s Ladies team who are undefeated so far this year.
Saturday’s team was:
John Gallagher, Alan Prendergast, Brian Killalea, Darren Gillespie, Richard Gallagher, Daniel Grimes, Joe Gallagher, Darragh Tyrell, Paul Connolly, Ray Gallagher, Dermot Connolly, Mark Rooney, Tom Dillon, Dominic Gillespie and Daire Keown. Subs, David Hoey, Kealan Mc Nulty and Shane O Donnell.
This Saturday Ballyshannon are at home to Cavan 2nd’s and all local support would be greatly appreciated.
