Storm Kathleen provided an apt backdrop for Enniscorthy’s result, a 24-5 defeat, on the final day of the regular AIL season. While the result in isolation had little bearing on their play-off semi final (an away trip already guaranteed), the continuation of a recent poor run will be of concern to the squad.
Enniscorthy started the game brightly and took a 5-0 lead through Adam Gethings after ten minutes. Great work from Nick Doyle off a pre-planned move saw him cut through the Omagh defence releasing Gethings down the wing for the try. Ben Kidd was unlucky with the conversion, seeing the gale pushing the ball wide. He had previously missed a short range penalty in difficult conditions.
‘Scorthy continued to apply pressure and looked certain to get over again, but were thwarted firstly when the referee blew for a double movement and then for a ball being held up over the line (this would be the second of 5 balls held up over the line). In a show of pathetic fallacy, a melancholic rain began to fall to match the frustrations of those supporters brave enough to travel to Omagh.
As the half progressed, Omagh grew into the game and with them the elements began to worsen. With a vengeful sleet driving into their faces, the Tyrone men drove towards the Enniscorthy line and crossed on the stroke of half time, leaving the game at 7-5, as both sides rushed to the sheds and supporters head for the bar to shelter.
The second half began with idyllic sunshine, a stark contrast to the biblical downpour witness 10 minutes before. This did not last long, both figuratively and literally for the Wexford men as Omagh took a stranglehold on the game. As the rain began lashing the faces of all and sundry, the home side began pounding the Enniscorthy line, yielding two further tries, to lead 17-5.
The home support’s revelry grow as their side and the weather picked up. In an almost manic euphoria often seen in storm conditions, the day was brought to a crescendo as Tomás Stamp saw red and Omagh used the man advantage to score there final bonus point try in the corner. Home supporters could be seen rejoicing and hugging as their 2C status was assured and the rain was lashing off their frenzied faces.
Enniscorthy will now travel to newly renamed Virgin Media Park (formerly Musgrave Park) Cork to face Dolphin on April 20th, in the hopes of regaining their place in Division 2B. They will need to come together over the next two weeks and turn around the performances of recent times. Thankfully a clean bill of health was reported, with both Daniel Pim and captain MJ Doyle ready to return to the fold. They will however be without the services of stalwart Tomás Stamp.
