Enniskillen – 24, Lisburn – 24
Enniskillen lost a ten point lead in the final quarter, when many on the sidelines were talking of a bonus point win, to draw this match and in truth it was a lost opportunity.
Lisburn landed two penalties in the opening ten minutes to take an early six point lead, but the game really kicked into life after twenty five minutes and the lead changed hands five times between then and halftime.
First up ‘Skins scored a try when Ricky Connor took a quick free kick and was on hand to take an offload after a fine drive by Gavin Parke to score a try which Clinton Brown converted to put Enniskillen 7 – 6 ahead. Then from the restart ‘Skins conceded a penalty which the visitors slotted over to go back ahead 7 – 9 Following which Enniskillen recovered their own kick-off to put pressure on the visitors in their own defensive “22”, leading to two penalties, the second of which Brown converted to post a 10 – 9 lead for ‘Skins.
After that five minute flurry the game settled somewhat but it was the visitors who were next to score when a questionable knock-on decision gifted them a very good attacking scrum and they took full advantage through their back line to score a try and edge ahead again 10 – 14.
‘Skins were not done yet and with the last play of the first half Jamie Johnston put them back into the lead. It was just reward for Johnston who was causing mayhem in the Lisburn defence with some great drives, and it was he who started the move that led to his own try under the posts, showing great determination to spot the ball down despite the defence managing to keep him on his feet. Brown again converted to leave the halftime score 17 – 14.
After the flurry of scoring in the second quarter, the game was quiet for the opening fifteen of the third, but then ‘Skins cranked up the pressure and it was that man Johnston who got things going. A great pick-up of a loose ball and burst down the line put ‘Skins on the front foot with the forwards queueing up to batter the visitors line and after half a dozen attempts it was Gavin Warrington who placed the ball over the line, some reward for the prop’s audacity at purchasing a pair of white boots! Brown again added the extra points and ‘Skins looked to be cruising at 24 – 14.
It was at this stage that talk of a bonus point win started, but nobody told Lisburn as they continued playing for the break through and eventually a try on the wide left came which was converted to bring them within three points with fifteen minutes to go.
‘Skins were on top, but couldn’t add to the score and were made to pay the price. They lost the ball in the visitors’ “22” and as Lisburn attacked they were awarded a simple penalty to level the game up with four minutes remaining.
Enniskillen did end the game on top, with some frantic attempts to break the line, but ultimately they were unable to do so as they suffered some unfavourable decisions from the referee and were left more than a bit frustrated with the draw.
Team: G Warrington, R Cathcart, G Beatty, M O’Callaghan, H Brien, G Parke, D Buchanan, J Johnston, R Connor, C Brown, A Duncan, A Wilkinson, N Johnston, T Whitaker, M O’Shea.
Fixtures
2nd XV – Away – Armagh
4th XV – Home – Cavan
Mini-Rugby – Away – Letterkenny Blitz
