Enniskillen were routed by the visitors in what was, by some distance, their poorest performance of the season. They started the game flat as if they had just rolled out of bed onto the pitch and within two minutes were behind on the scoreboard when the ‘Clare forwards mauled a line out over for a try after ‘Skins had contrived to lose possession in midfield.
Worse was to follow three minutes later when confusion in the defensive line allowed the number eight and openside flanker to combine for a converted try and a twelve point start.
Enniskillen did miss two penalties in quick succession after ten and twelve minutes, but the visitors were controlling the game and added to their lead on twenty-five, as they built momentum toward the line where the loosehead prop finished the move, crashing over from five metres out.
The bonus point try followed before halftime and started with a crooked lineout throw on halfway. Ballyclare capitalised on their good fortune when the centre broke clear, only to be stopped a few metres short, but the support was there to take the offload and score the try. The visiting kicker was having a good day with the boot and kicked his third conversion.
In the dying minutes of the half ‘Skins did manage to rouse themselves and mount a meaningful attack. Two penalties resulted, the second taken quickly by Jamie Johnston who thundered over for the try, which Clinton Brown converted to leave the halftime score a disappointing 7 – 26.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with ‘Skins huffing and puffing but making little headway against a resolute Ballyclare defence determined to hold what they had. An early penalty helped the visitors stretch their lead and as ‘Skins tried frantically to claw their way back they were too often caught isolated and two minutes later lost the ball in midfield. A swift counter-attack by the visitors followed and resulted in yet another converted try.
The game started to peter out although ‘Skins did start to enjoy better possession and territory, but there was no penetrating the ‘Clare line, despite the visitors being reduced to fourteen men after an hour, and it was Ballyclare who had the final say when a sixth try was added in the dying minutes following a quick penalty and recycling, with the number eight stretching for the line.
A day to forget and consign to the waste basket. The most telling thing about the team will be how they bounce back from what was a major setback. Some hard work, both physical and mental, will be needed in midweek to re-gather and focus on the job at hand starting with a trip to Belfast to face CIYMS.
Fixtures
1st XV – Away – CIYMS
2nd XV – Home – Ballynahinch III
