3rd XV Continue Winning Streak

Minor League West
Rainey Old Boys 3rd XV 7 Enniskillen 3rd XV 34

Enniskillen travelled to Magherafelt on Saturday for a top of the table clash with Rainey. Only 1 point separated the sides going into the game and both sides knew this was pretty much a league decider. After both of the home sides grass pitches failing an initial inspection, it was decided that the match would take place on the artificial surface.

The game started at a fast pace, Enniskillens pack were slightly dominant and after several penalties skins had a lineout deep in the Rainey 22. A mix up from the visitors seen the ball turned over, and when it was quickly spread to the home sides right winger, he showed great pace to score from 80 metres, the score was converted.

Enniskillen kept their heads up despite this setback. Skins set piece was on top, Bog Warrior Francie Fee was imperious in the line out, and front rowers Breen, Fitzpatrick, Andy Dane and McKane had the lions share of the scrum also. The back row of Gibson, Duncan, McGowan, Mulholland and Harry Dane kept the bulkier home pack well marshalled all day along with hard working locks Phillips and Willis.

20 minutes into the half skins were level after a fine break by scrum half Henshall, converted by McVitty. Not long after Henshall again got over the white wash after a similar effort, converted again by McVitty who had a superb kicking game all day with difficult conditions. And skins weren’t done before half time. Wilkinson crashed over from short range after good carries from Biscuits McVitty and all the Skins pack.

Just on half time Fitzpatrick was harshly sin binned for an infringement which seen Enniskillen finish the half with 14 men but 2 scores to the good. The second half started off with Enniskillen on the front foot. Two early penalties from McVitty stretched the lead further, and then shortly after this the Skins pack again on top it was Fitzpatrick who got the reward after the Enniskillen pack drove their counterparts back, again McVitty converted.

The game got a little bit niggily in the last quarter but Enniskillen were deserved victors against a team who had been unbeaten in the league for over a year. Skins know this is the level that they need to play at in order to retain their Ravenhill Cup.

Next up Inishowen visit Mullaghmeen on Saturday in the next round of league fixtures.