ENNISKILLEN IV ............................................. 23
MONAGHAN III ............................................... 14
Enniskillen's Fourth XV got their league campaign off to a winning start in their attempt to win back-to-back league titles, but they had to do it the hard way, coming from fourteen points down.
The start was not what anyone wanted and some sloppy work and elementary mistakes gave the visitors a flying start. 'Skins then created two clear openings to get themselves back into the game but squandered the chances when they had a clear overlap on two separate occasions.
Stern words from Gary Law, urging the team to start getting their act together, (the polite version) soon had the desired effect. The forwards started taking the ball into contact and the rucking improved providing better quality ball. The first try came from one such move and a barging run in midfield with some quick passing to get the ball wide via Paul Galbraith and Ewan Ferguson saw Daniel Allister go over in the corner to reduce the score to 14 – 5, and that's how it remained until halftime.
'Skins then started the second half much brighter and immediately put the visitors under pressure, winning a penalty on the wide right, which Galbraith converted to further reduce the arrears. Straight from the re-start kick Enniskillen got back to within one point.
The forwards retained possession as play moved into Monaghan's half and with more good rucking and quick hands in the backline, the ball came to Allister who raced for the corner. Just as everyone thought the chance was gone with the covering tackle, Allister managed to reach out a hand to ground the ball over the line.
The tails were up and Enniskillen were showing some great phases of continuity and passing. The next score came as a result of a lineout won and a patient build up.
Galbraith then took the ball on a wrap around move to find Stevie Duncan, who went on to score a great wingers try, showing a natural finisher's instinct. This time Galbraith was successful with the conversion attempt.
The scoring ended with Galbraith rounding off a good personal display with a penalty from wide on the right. Enniskillen then were able to see the game out, keeping control and not allowing the visitors back.
After a poor start the game developed nicely and the team certainly showed what they can achieve if they maintain the control and discipline they displayed in the second half.
