‘Skins were missing four of their regular backline and despite having to field three forwards as replacements managed to achieve victory that gave them the Ulster League (South) title and the opportunity to participate in the league play-offs for the Ulster Title.
Monaghan came to Mullaghmeen with a real air of expectancy in this title decider, with their only defeat being at the hands of Enniskillen earlier this season, but it was ‘Skins who were up for the task in awful playing conditions.
The forwards went on the offensive from the start and retained possession well, mixing play up by releasing the backs on a few occasions during a multi-phase period before Jonathan Allen, one of the forwards playing out of position on the wing, scored the opening try out wide. Greg McGovern added the extras for a seven point start. McGovern was another of the forwards drafted in to the backline and he and Andy McCrae formed a dynamic centre partnership instead of their usual back row one!
‘Skins spurned a number of scoring opportunities through some poor decision making but did manage to retain possession well with some nice handling in the poor conditions. It was however a handling error late during the first half that allowed the visitors back into the game, when following some sloppy defending from a scrum they managed a converted score to tie the game up.
After some tough talking during the interval the boys came out showing their desire to clinch victory and in a repeat of the start of the game took the game immediately to the visitors and soon regained the lead. Once again the forwards set the platform retaining the ball through several phases before releasing the backline for an unconverted try.
‘Skins then peppered the visitors line but again the decision making along with some silly mistakes stopped them taking an even bigger advantage, although pressure on the Monaghan defence did bring several penalties, but they could not be converted into the howling wind. Then Fergal Lynam caught the defence napping with a quick penalty and prop Kyle Moffitt popped up out wide, like all good props should (not!) to score the third and clinching try, with McGovern again adding the extras.
Indeed Moffitt was named for some special praise as he and fellow prop, Darren Wylie, were impressive both in the loose and at scrum time, and in Conor Flanagan, ‘Skins look to have unearthed another excellent prospect for the future.
As last year’s beaten league finalists, Monaghan went home disappointed, but gave a ‘Skins a tough run. ‘Skins now face Lurgan in the first play-off match on January 29th and they will need to up the performance, cut out the mistakes and improve their game management to progress. Whilst the coaches were full of praise for the victory and thanked the players for their efforts to date, they did urge caution about over complacency and request a full turnout and 100% effort at training in the coming weeks. Praise was also heaped on the injured players who have come along to support their team-mates and best wishes for speedy recoveries are sent to them all.
Enniskillen’s youth section now embark on the cup campaign when they visit Cavan this Saturday and good luck to all the sides.
