This was the only game played by the Randalstown seniors on Saturday, the second XV having had no game scheduled, while the 3rd XV fixture against CI 4th XV fell victim to the weather.
Picking up 2 points on the road to leaves the 1st XV well positioned early in this year’s league campaign.
This fixture at Enniskillen was always going to be a difficult encounter, Randalstown having been on the wrong end of the score sheet back in March at the same venue in a game that, despite the scoreline, it was widely felt they should have won.
Ominously the home side opened brightly attacking the Randalstown line and only for some strong defence would have taken an early advantage. However the visitors began to come into the game and breaks by Goodrich and McWhirter almost ended in scores.
The ‘Town forwards began to make good ground and when Enniskillen had their winger sin-binned, used the numerical advantage in a well executed move to let Ian Hume over in the corner with half time approaching. Smyth just failed with a conversion in difficult conditions but was able to add a penalty almost immediately afterwards to extend the lead at halftime to 8-0 in ‘Town’s favour.
With the advantage of the wind and slope Randalstown went on the attack in the second half and a few basic errors were the only reason they did not increase their lead. As the game moved into the final quarter number 8 Chris Allen stormed past three defenders and went over for a well taken try.
It looked as though the visitors were now going to have the upper hand for the rest of the game but a yellow card to the Randalstown hooker James Millar and an injury to the Number 8 Allen gave Enniskillen the chance to get back into the game and a period of pressure gave the home side a well taken try with 10 minutes left.
The last 5 minutes saw Millar reinstated but injuries to Allen and David Smith meant that yet again ‘Town finished out the game with 13 men and once again held on to the advantage. There was some relief and some celebration from the Randalstown supporters who had made the long journey to Enniskillen.
While not wanting to highlight the contribution of any individual it is worthy to note the impact that players who have come in from the 2nd XV are making as they step up to the mark. Hopefully the 2nd XV players involved came through injury free as they face a difficult task away to Ballymena 4ths next Saturday. Well done to all involved in a tough game.
Randalstown would also like to take the opportunity to thank Enniskillen RFC for their hospitality both before and after the game.
The 1st XV have a break next Saturday and the 3rds entertain Harlequins 4ths at Neillsbrook.
