Enniskillen 3rds 15 – Cookstown 14
Cookstown came up short once again on Saturday as a strong Enniskillen side came away with victory by the narrowest of margins. The match was played in difficult conditions throughout with both teams struggling to adapt with knock-ons and mistakes in abundance.
Cookstown were quickly into their stride though and got the first try of the match. Out half Ciaran Currie cut through the Enniskillen defence and Kezzy Nugent was on hand to finish the move off under the posts for a 7-0 lead. Enniskillen responded with their 1st XV players to the fore – a penalty was followed up by two tries for a half time lead of 15-7.
Cookstown came out firing in the second half and went on to hold the home team scoreless in the second period. Following repeated infringements by Enniskillen within their own 22, Cookstown finally got their rewards when the returning Marty Boone held off 3 defenders to score. Cookstown continued to dominate the match with the Enniskillen players becoming increasingly frustrated which resulted in both late and high tackles particularly from their flustered number 8. Cookstown however ran out of time to get the score which would have surely secured victory.
Coach Liam Currie commented after the game, “Despite being crippled with injuries and non-availabilities, the lads fronted up against a huge Enniskillen pack which I was delighted with. I was also happy for Owen Mallon in getting the Bobby Bouchet award for Man of the Match and he showed what he can do having finally been given the chance to step out of the captain’s shadow – his tackling, carrying and kicking game was a delight to watch from the sideline”.
It has been a tough run of away games for Cookstown and they will now have a well-earned break before their first home game of the season on the 15th November against Ballynahinch at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena.
The club are also running a draw with top prize being two tickets to the eagerly anticipated 6 Nations clash between Ireland and England at the Aviva Stadium. Tickets are priced at £5 and if interested please contact any of the players or get in touch with the club via the Facebook or Twitter pages.
