Enniskillen's touch competition for 2008 came to an exciting end on Friday last, when All Stars finally won, holding off a spirited effort from a Fastbusters side not only hampered by Richard Beatty's sore calf, but a clearly distressed 'Ghost', who returned from holiday with sun stroke.
The first three quarter finals saw the club's two youth sides and the entry from Portora all fall, with Mighty Ducks suffering a humiliating reversal as All Stars marked their intention for the evening. The fourth saw the Babas hold off a strong challenge from Off Side, with Eddie Adair scoring the only try of the encounter, taking a superbly timed and weighted pass from Willie Gibson.
All Stars proved just too strong for Babas, despite the appearance of club stalwart Jimmy Moore, at the semi-final stage, but the other semi turned out to be a classic. The Richie Grey inspired Sex Panthers jumped to an early 3-0 lead in the first half, with Richie himself among the try scorers, but were then guilty of resting on their laurels, and needed a late equaliser to level the match at five a-piece, and force a 'golden try' extra time, where Fastbusters proved the stronger, scoring the winner as the first minute ended.
The final was almost as thrilling with All Stars pipping Fastbusters by a score of 3-2. Obviously Stevie Welsh's squad selection, criticised last week, paid off, as did the white, and silver, boots! But what happened to Guv? Apparently his newly acquired silver boots were too big, and he was forced to don the old white ones, but to good effect! Congratulations to All Stars. The night was superbly rounded off with a great helping of 'Pig on a Spit', but for some - the less said about the karaoke efforts the better, lets just say it was certainly entertaining! Hats off to Melanie Whitaker and then the various members of the Parke family.
A big thanks must go to Willie Gibson for his superb organisation, and the way he cajoled teams onto the pitch was second to none. Thanks also must go to the referees, for without them the games cannot be played, especially Vic Outram, a stalwart, and a part-time Terry McCartney.
PRE-SEASON TRAINING
Pre-season for Enniskillen RFC starts for all players next Tuesday night, 15th July, at 7:30 p.m. Pre-season training is arguably the most important time in preparation for a new season, especially if all teams want to get off to a good start, which in the long term might get momentum rolling for what everyone hopes will be a successful season for all four senior teams.
Enniskillen Rugby Club are always on the look out for any new players, and will welcome anyone into their ranks regardless of previous playing ability. So if you haven't played in some time and wish to return, or have never played the game before, come along on Tuesday, at worst you'll get fit and have some craic!
NEW COACH OFFICIALLY WELCOMED
Club President Michael Leslie officially welcomed Terry Finlay and his son Ross onboard as club coaches for the coming season.
"The Club is absolutely delighted that Terry has agreed to come on board as coach for the incoming season and we are excited by the level of expertise and commitment that he will bring to the table" said Michael, who added, "As a Club we want to take the 1st XV squad to a new level and in Terry and Ross, we are confident we have the ideal coaching team in place to do just that. We realize it will not be an overnight process and will take time, particularly as this is a young and relatively inexperienced squad, but if we can keep them all together and continue to develop their skills, then who knows what they can achieve. Terry and Ross have a tremendous enthusiasm about the game and how it should be played and this will be instilled into the players".
Looking forward to the season ahead, Michael said: "I am extremely excited about the season ahead and with pre season training now only a week away, there's a great buzz around, and I wish Terry and Ross, captain Gary Hall and all the players every success for the season ahead".
In turn, Terry was quick to admit that he faced a difficult task ahead but added, "The side may be young, but fitness is something we'll be working hard on so the team will be able to cope with a high tempo, quality brand of rugby".
Terry was keen to stress that, "Whilst Ross and I are seen as figureheads in terms of the coaching, it is a team game and I do believe that we have a great bunch of guys to work with and the emphasis is on the team as a whole, and the hard work and spirit that has been shown in the past should hold us in good stead for the season ahead". Finally, Terry expressed his appreciation of the support shown to him by the committee of the club, adding, "I hope that this support will continue to be shown to the players throughout the season, as no one will be giving less than 100 per cent".
As new skipper, Gary Hall echoed Michael's comments, "I am really looking forward to the year ahead, and there is a real buzz around the club at the minute in anticipation of the season ahead. It was a tough season just past, with the loss of players and injuries suffered, but at the end we did what we had to do to survive, and this was backed up with a good run in the Town's Cup." He continued, "We are a young team with no shortage of ability, and hopefully now that we've had a full season together, we can build and improve on last year's performances.
With Terry and Ross on board, we will have a squad of guys who will be fitter, faster, stronger and more hungry to succeed on the pitch, and I am sure that if the hard work is put in on the training pitch, then results will follow."
