Enniskillen 2nds welcomed Instonians on Saturday, still seeking their first win of the season, and having lost narrowly to them earlier in the season, this was a match that t’Skins wanted to target for two vital points.
The early exchanges were positive and it soon became clear that ‘Skins were focused on the task at hand. Good set pieces were the key as half-backs Kyle Johnston and Daniel Allister sought to impose Enniskillen’s game-plan on their visitors, with Kyle Graydon at no.8 making several early runs and providing the forward momentum.
This combination led to good continuity and ball retention ending with Stephen Neill using his pace to touch-down for a fine try. This was a deserved lead but a series of silly penalties allowed Instonians back into the game and they replied with a straightforward penalty. ‘Skins did many good things in the first half but unforced handling errors and needless penalties conceded prevented them from adding any further scores.
In the second half ‘Skins sought territory through the accurate kicking of Allister and put pressure on Instonians as they sought to run-back the ball. Skins’ backrow of Johnny Wright, Graydon and Ross Finlay started to dominate the rucks enabling the forwards to set up a series of good drives into the visitors territory, resulting in one maul of fully 30 metres to the line and a try for Wright.
‘Skins managed to continue their pressing game and this directly led to an Allister penalty, but it was a Neill intercept try ten minutes from time that put the game beyond the visitors reach.
A spirited Inst. team never stopped trying and got a deserved try at the end to leave the score 20 – 8.
This was a morale-boosting win for the seconds which was achieved on the back of an all-round team effort which should give encouragement for the matches ahead.
