Enniscorthy 10 - 41 Ballyclare
Enniscorthy made the long trip to Ballyclare RFC on Saturday last in what was always going to be a tough fixture. Ballyclare playing their first ever home game in the AIL and after being promoted from Junior rugby last season were going to want to set down a marker for future visiting teams and also make this an occasion to remember. However, Enniscorthy were keen to spoil the party atmosphere.
Welcoming back big Nick Doyle and Fiachra Hourihane from GAA commitments alongside Niall Parker from the injury list, Enniscorthy were looking forward to getting back on track after an opening day defeat to Belfast Harlequins.
Playing with the wind in the first half Enniscorthy started really well. With some strong carries by the forward pack and by sticking to the game plan they had Ballyclare on the back foot early. A clever kick in behind by Fiachra Hourihane gave the 'Scorthy lads a lineout on the Ballyclare 5 metre line. Numerous carries allowed Scott O'Connor to power over from close range for what this writer thinks is his first AIL try. Cathal Kehoe added the conversion to make it 7-0 to the visitors.
Enniscorthy continued to have the upper hand and could have had another try when Nick Doyle chipped through and found himself touching down the ball under the posts only to be told the Ballyclare defender had gotten to it first, allowing Ballyclare to clear their lines. Again, Enniscorthy were in the ascendency, however after allowing a four on one gilt edged opportunity to score another try go to waste, Enniscorthy had not put their dominance on the scoreboard.
Ballyclare seemed to stir something following this and went the entire field to score just under the posts, Enniscorthy much maligned discipline again costing them in allowing easy access to the 22' and further penalties giving Ballyclare a platform. The hosts were back in the game at 7-7. Enniscorthy kicked a penalty on 38 minutes to go back in the lead, however when Liam Stamp was yellow carded on the stroke of halftime Ballyclare were rewarded a kickable penalty and duly obliged - leaving the halftime score 10-10.
There was lots to be positive about for Enniscorthy going into the second half. Level game and after playing some really good rugby in the first they had given themselves every chance of causing an upset in the Cloughan. There must, however, have been something in the water at half time as Enniscorthy never got going at all.
Ballyclare came out all guns blazing and through their scrum dominance and superior fitness ground Enniscorthy down. The less said the better, but they ran in 5 second half tries to leave the final score 41-10.
A lot for the 'Scorthy men to think about and contemplate on the long drive home. There were some really positive parts in the first 40 but the alarming drop off at half time will surely spur them on in training this week. They have a chance to kick off their season with an away trip to Tullamore RFC on Saturday next at 2.30. Always a hard place to go but I am sure that Enniscorthy will be gunning for that first W since March last.
Team: Scott O'Connor, Davie Murphy (C), MJ Doyle, Tom Ryan, Tomas Stamp, Niall Parker, Lee Treacy, Liam Stamp, Arthur Dunne, Nick Doyle, Miguel Byrne, Daniel Pim, Fiachra Hourihane, Kevin O'Connor, Cathal Kehoe Subs (all used): Aaron Doyle, Ore Lasisi, Mikey McVeigh, Dave O'Dwyer, Graham Barry.
