Clash of the Titans or A Bridge Too Far?
By Ian McCleery
Enniskillen U19s……0 Malone U19s………26
Oh why do we do it ? The commentators effusive praise or the report writers unrestrained enthusiasm and predictions of what more is to come or a coach overexaggerating a teams ability and “psyching” them up to the point where their tactics and normal play changes. Why indeed, for on two of those counts I must hold up my hands. Mea culpa! That was the immediate feeling of the coach and perhaps players and even spectators as the fourth try was run in by Malone under 19s on Saturday last.
Conditions were perfect, if a little sunny, (something that every full back and winger is wary of) but still perfect for two big sides to have no excuse but to produce their best. Both sides opened with energy, sizing each other up like rutting stags and play being pushed backwards and forwards into each half. Numerous tentative sorties were made into enemy territory with Enniskillen probably being the more dominant for the first 25 minutes. Each side held their own in the battle for lineout ball but Malone were totally outgunned in the scrum and maul by a much superior Enniskillen pack. As usual Trimble, Foster and Kirkpatrick relished every minute of the front row encounter as well as open running play. Even when injured, their reluctance to retire to the sideline showed their “never give up” attitude. Johnston and Tannswell were just outstanding in cover and with Fawcett on openside, this trio were truly the hunting dogs of the pack, tracking down and despatching their quarry swiftly and without mercy. But in the second row, the engine house of every pack, lay not one but two Minotaurs. Danny Maguire and Lewis McCrabbe ( trying to outdo Trimble and Foster!) know only one direction on a rugby pitch and it`s not backwards. Like daddy “raging bull” showing baby “raging bull” Maguire would charge anyone or thing prepared to stand in his way, making ground many times and only giving way to allow the likes of McCrabbe, Trimble and Foster to have some fun.
However the scales started to tip just prior to half time when a lapse in concentration in the Enniskillen defence let the Malone out half slip through to touch down under the posts. Not one of the eighteen Enniskillen players believed the game lost at that point and it was so encouraging to see young players talk through their game and tactics and try to instil self belief once again while gulping down a welcome mouthful of water.
Unfortunately the second half fell from Enniskillens grasp when further incursions by a fleet footed Malone back line ran in three further tries. The Enniskillen defence were being systematically pulled one way then another with quick phase ball until a gap presented itself and Malone took full advantage. Enniskillen were dealt the “coup de grace” with Malones fourth try but both sides seemed glad to hear the final whistle.
Every Enniskillen player should be commended for their attitude following the game for although a battle has been lost, they consider the war far from over. They discussed their strengths and weaknesses, their mistakes and misdemeanours and most importantly, the humorous moments, immediately after the game. They learned that the Malone side train twice a week and that thirteen out of the starting fifteen play for Ulster at under 19 level and that, just for a while, the Malone team and their coaches were starting to get slightly anxious. This news somewhat tempered Enniskillens disappointment, and like young Spartan princes learning how to do battle, they are licking their wounds after one such lesson but oh what a valuable lesson it was. A bridge too far this time maybe but this bunch don’t give up that easily!!!
Monaghan Under-17s – 7, Enniskillen Under-17s – 18
Having been the target of some verbal and physical abuse on their last two trips to Monaghan, Skins travelled with a point to prove and set about the hosts from the first whistle. The ball was moved through several phases involving backs and forwards and ended with Stuart Phair crashing over, but he initially was denied a score when the referee adjudged him to have been held up. Phair was not to be outdone however and from the resulting scrum he picked up and again crashed over the line but this time the try was given.
‘Skins failed to build on this great start and perhaps a bit of complacency crept in, a dangerous affliction given the quality of backs on display for Monaghan. However, the lead was extended when Sean Michael Breen made a great one-handed interception and raced clear to score under the posts, adding the extra points for a twelve point lead.
‘Skins didn’t learn from their earlier mistakes and the hosts were unlucky to have a try chalked off for “double movement” but shortly after, the winger went over and the try was converted to leave the halftime score at 7 – 12.
The second half was littered with mistakes and an awful lot of silly penalties were conceded by both sides, affecting the continuity and quality of the rugby. Breen managed to secure three points with a very difficult penalty chance as ‘Skins started to exert control over the game. The scoring opportunities were limited, but Breen did add a drop goal near the end to finish the scoring.
A fine win, but there are some areas that still require some hard work on the training field. The lineouts were far from acceptable especially given the size of the side but this along with some poor tackling are things that can be put right with some hard work.
This is a promising young under-17 side that with application can do well. Among the younger members Conor Flanagan has stood out with some solid displays at fullback and Greg McGovern has stepped into the side at wing-forward with some aplomb. Among the more experienced at this level, Sean Michael and Andy McCrae have shown they can bring the boys along, and John Maguire has performed well since switching to first centre.
Virginia visit this week following their back to back matches with Clogher Valley and ‘Skins will need to be at their best.
