Energia AIL Division 2C: Midleton 29 Enniscorthy 26

Enniscorthy travelled to Midleton for a top-of-the-table clash that lived up to all expectations, played in a cauldron-like atmosphere with a massive Midleton crowd driving the home side forward. In what proved to be a thrilling encounter, Midleton emerged victorious 29-26, securing a vital win in the race for the top. However, despite the loss, Enniscorthy showed tremendous character to leave with two crucial bonus points, keeping them firmly in contention for the top spot with three games remaining.

The match began with an early blow for Enniscorthy, as Midleton capitalised on an interception in the 5th minute. After a series of powerful forward carries, the home team crossed over in the corner to take a 5-0 lead. Enniscorthy didn’t let this phase them and they worked their way back into the game with some strong carries and good set piece, and on 22 minutes, Tom Ryan responded for the visitors with a well-taken try to level the score at 5-5.

Midleton regained the lead on 30 minutes, scoring under the posts to make it 12-5, but Enniscorthy answered back almost immediately. Daniel Pim showed his pace to race over the line, bringing the score back to 12-12 as both sides entered the break deadlocked.

The second half started with Midleton asserting themselves early, scoring a try right from the off to take a 19-12 lead. However, Enniscorthy were not to be outdone, with Lee Treacy showing his strength and determination to dot down and bring the score to 19-19, with 30 minutes still left to play. It was all to play for.

Unfortunately for Enniscorthy, the errors that had plagued their first half began to catch up with them. After a series of penalty infringements and sustained pressure from Midleton, Enniscorthy found themselves a man down when Davie Murphy was shown a yellow card. Midleton made the most of their numerical advantage, crossing the line for two quick tries to extend their lead to 29-19 with just 4 minutes remaining.

With time running out, Enniscorthy had a mountain to climb. However, determined not to leave empty-handed, they rejected a straightforward penalty in front of the posts in favour of going to the corner, hoping to try and make sure they would leave with at least two bonus points. For the next 6 minutes of injury time, Enniscorthy battered the Midleton defensive line, finally getting over the line through Timmy Morrissey’s try. The score was 29-26 at full time.

Enniscorthy will be disappointed with the result and the simple errors that ultimately cost them the win. Despite that, they can take some satisfaction from the fight they showed to earn two bonus points and keep their league hopes alive. With everything still to play for in the final three games of the season, they’ll look to regroup and refocus.

Enniscorthy have a welcome two week break now and it would be hoped that some of the longer term injuries, including props Angelo Todisco and Scott O'Connor, will have cleared up sufficiently to see them pushing for inclusion in the match day squad. Next up, Enniscorthy is a home game aginast Tullamore on March 22nd at 2:30. The team would greatly appreciate a large, vocal support as they aim to get back to winning ways and keep the pressure on Midleton.

Team: Ore Lasisi, Davie Murphy (C), MJ Doyle, Tom Ryan, Tomas Stamp, Liam Stamp, Lee Treacy, Timmy Morrissey, Fiachra Hourihane, Daniel Pim, Rhyan Whelan, Dave O'Dwyer, Nick Doyle, Ivan Jacob, Jack Kelly. Subs: Andrew Redmond, Mikey McVeigh, Darragh Joyce, Aaron Doyle, Graham Barry.

Photo credit: Fidelma Read Photography