Enniskillen commenced their Qualifying Two campaign away to Omagh last Saturday and came away with a narrow, but probably just about deserved victory.
On a day from high summer and as the focal point to the home club’s 60th anniversary celebrations, a big and boisterous crowd had gathered to witness the latest clash between two old rivals.
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‘Skins kicked off down the slope and the opening exchanges were generally even, though Enniskillen did show an early advantage in the scrums with Beatty,Murray and Quigley. On several occasions ‘Skins got into good field position only to lose their lineout and in fact this was one area which troubled the visitors throughout the game. ‘Skins did also try to move the ball wide in the early stages, but both defences were on top.
Some good work at the breakdown saw ‘Skins being awarded a kickable penalty but O’Callaghan’s effort went just wide, but play remained in the Omagh half and ‘Skins opened the scoring when Jamie Johnston picked up from the base of the scrum and powered over. Although the conversion was missed ‘Skins had a period of dominance and following a turnover they moved the ball left only to see McElwaine intercept and score a converted try for Omagh under the posts and against the run of play. The Omagh fullback then added a penalty and a response from O’Callaghan left the halftime score 10 – 8 to the hosts, who looked forward to playing down their famous slope in the second half.
Whilst Omagh had lost a man to a yellow card in the first half it was the turn of McGarry to sit out the early period of the second half for ‘Skins, with the advantage Omagh brought play deep into ‘Skins territory and Elliott scored an unconverted try following some poor ‘Skins tackling.
At 15 – 8 Omagh looked to be taking control and a penalty for each side left it 18 – 11, before Omagh lost a further man to a yellow card. ‘Skins forwards upped their efforts and a penalty and a second try to Johnston gave them a precarious one -point lead coming into the final minutes.
The visiting supporters held their breath when Omagh were awarded a kickable penalty but when this was missed by the normally reliable Ward ‘Skins brought play up the field and after being awarded a penalty of their own, O’Callaghan kicked for touch and the game was over.
This was a very welcome victory achieved because some of the more experienced ‘Skins players upped the effort when it was most needed, particularly, Johnston, Buchanan and Parke plus the front row had a fine match all round. Nevertheless there are things to work on for next week when Ballyclare come calling and their dangerous backs will surely punish any wayward kicking and a more reliable lineout is essential if a further victory is to be achieved.
Thanks again to Omagh for their generous hospitality both before and after the game.
Fixtures
1st XV – Home – Ballyclare
2nd XV – Home – Portadown II
