Enniskillen u16 v Malone u16 Fixture - Feb 28, 2015

Team Score Pts
Enniskillen u16 7 - 17 Malone u16

Match Report

Enniskillen Under-16's rounded off their Ulster Branch Section 2 League Campaign on Saturday with the visit of the Belfast team Malone RFC. Having beaten them convincingly earlier in the season, the Enniskillen players perhaps went into the fixture slightly overconfident. Right from the start of the first half, it was clear that Malone were going to pause a considerable threat with their centre partnership and speedy wingers. This proved to be the case after five minutes, when the ball was recycled quickly from a ruck, passed quickly through the centres and out to the left wing where the Number 11 crossed for the try. The Enniskillen Boys then started to impose themselves through their backline of Jamie and Arron Kelly, as well as Captain McKenna, however the Malone defense was very precise and well drilled, and kept the home side at bay. With the conditions deteriorating, the Malone out-half continued with his kicking strategy, which led to the next score and left the Enniskillen Boys 12-0 down at the break. From the start of the second half, the Enniskillen forwards began to dominate the midfield, and from a solid scrum Jamie Kelly picked from the Number Eight position and avoided two tackles to score on the right hand side. He converted, to leave the score at 12-7. 

During the next passage, Enniskillen were in the ascendancy with better handling, and on two occasions they crossed the touch line, first Eoin Cleary was judged to be held up, followed by Jarlath Maguire out on the wing, ruled to have knocked on. Had these two scores counted, it was clear that the Enniskillen side, should and could have imposed themselves on Malone, but unfortunately the referee ruled correctly on both occasions. Malone finished off the game strongly,and with ten minutes to go scored another unconverted try to take the points tally to 17-7, Enniskillen came back with a final flourish, but were once again thwarted by the excellent Belfast team's defence. This was a disappointing end to the Section 2 League but the Enniskillen Team have the satisfaction of going forward to the All-Ulster Semi Final which will be played next Saturday 7th of March, against Ballymena RFC Under-16's at Rainey Old Boys RFC, with an 11 O'Clock kick off and all support greatly appreciated by the team and their coaches.

Enniskillen Under 14's had a training game versus Portora Under 14's on Saturday. This was an odd occasion, as many of the Portora players also play for the Club. However, it was an excellent exercise for both teams, and shows the greater integration that both School and Club have endeavored to create over the past couple of seasons. Although both teams enjoyed the structured training exercise, which can only be a benefit going forward, it was a conclusive victory for the Portora boys. The Enniskillen team hope to have a home fixture on Saturday with an 11 O'Clock kick off, opponents to be confirmed.