A stroming display, by Ian McCleery, Enniskillen U19s 62 v Clogher Valley U19s 3
Exactly nineteen years ago this month, three storms combined into one to form what became known as “The Perfect Storm” off the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts creating an almost apocalyptic situation in the Atlantic ocean. On Saturday afternoon last, fifteen young men representing Enniskillen under 19s strode onto the pitch at Mullaghmeen and combined to deliver their vision of “The Perfect Storm” in a devastating display of rugby.
After only five minutes of play, Clogher Valley forwards had a taste of what was about to be unleashed upon when their scrum was shunted back exactly one and a half metres with semmingly little effort. From that, wave after wave of Enniskillen forwards crashed down on and through a desparate Valley defence. There was little hope of repelling such a determined attack and the inevitable happened when quick ball led to a break down the left wing for the first score. The flodd gates opened!
The process was repeated another five times in all during the first half. Enniskillen were merciless as they pounded the Valley defence time after time.
Clogher Valley rallied for a short period after one restart and managed to drive down as far as the Enniskillen 22 where a succession of penalties for indiscipline cost Enniskillen 3 points.
Enniskillen’s intentions became clear after the break, no quarter asked, no quarter given. Another five tries were run in without reply, three of which were converted.
The toll was heavy on Clogher personnel and both team and coach should be paid credit for their tenacity and spirit even though their task became somewaht of a forlorn hope. The Enniskillen performance, although awesome in many repects, was not without fault and showed some signs of the inexperience of youth but this overeagerness can be turned with time and training into the skill and guile of the older experienced palyer.
The referee should also be given special mention as a runaway local derby game lik,e this can descend into a fractious chaotic mess but in this case it was held together well and ruled fairly with some authority.
To list those who scored would seem unfair as this was truly a “Team” performance and every one of the eighteen players were totally committed to the task in hand. The potential within this band of young warriors is huge and they will come to realise that a team like this, “The Perfect Team” may only come together once every so often like “The Perfect Storm”.
This Saturdays match was meant to be against Cavan under 19s but with the news that they have withdrawn from the league, a replacement fixture has been arranged against last years under 19 champions, Malone, in a “friendly” match. This will be a much sterner test of Enniskillens mettle and should anybody like a film analogy for this game, it surely has to be “The Clash of the Titans”. No CGI, PG rated, not recommended for the faint hearted or those of a squemish disposition!
