U16 Boys Push League Leaders To The End

Monaghan U16 17
Enniskillen U16 7

The resurgent EKN U16s travelled away at a very early hour for the 4th time out of 5 this season to the league leaders Monaghan with only 16 players.
The game started and a typical pattern played out as Monaghan attacked for almost 10 mins with no joy against the tightened up Skins defensive line. Skins had a few penalties to relieve the pressure but the home team kept returning into the Skins half with a threatening counterattack. 20 minutes had gone before some weak tackling allowed their powerful full back to cut through the outside of our defence and turn then under the posts for a 7 pointer leading into half time.
It took a determined first half to keep the league leaders to a single score but Skins looked intent on more from the encounter. Skins started the half brilliantly with the pack upping their efforts to as good as we’ve seen all season and they carried strongly at the home side. Multiple carries from Alfie, Cahir, James R and James E along with massive clear outs at the ruck from the 2nd row duo of Arthur and Ryan almost resulted in a try, with Ciaran and Jacob going for the line.
Unfortunately a turnover ball by Monaghan ended up with their very quick wingers clearing their lines with a big kick, chasing it down the length of the pitch to score in the corner for a very unlucky turn of events, 12-0.
Skins restarted well again but the same pattern repeated, and with another kick from the home side while they were under pressure again resulted in another 5 points despite determined chase back from Sam and Rowan, Sam also putting in another try saving chase in the game.
Skins never backed off in the encounter and with the last plays of the game they forced their way to the line where James Elliott muscled his way to the line for a well deserved team try. Converted supremely by Caoilte Farry. Final score 17-7.
There were plenty of positives for Skins with a huge scrum and the line out unchallenged. Defensive line speed was another improvement and only for some missed tackles there was very little in the contest against a top table team as this young side continues to progress. John, Ethan and Caoilte put in a massive tackling display on the day while Odhran, Zak and Rowan were steady performers. Also to Morgan for his ever improving forward performance.