A sunny Saturday morning gave way to a grim and chilly afternoon at Alcast Park, as Enniscorthy welcomed Tullamore for a crucial league clash. With Enniscorthy pushing to stay in the title race and Tullamore fighting for survival in the league, the stakes were high, and the game would prove to be a hard-fought contest.

The first 20 minutes were a battle, with Enniscorthy struggling to find their rhythm and being firmly on the back foot, despite playing with what some might say was a strong cross wind. Tullamore’s pressure forced the home side into mistakes, but Enniscorthy managed to get on the scoreboard first through Rhyan Whelan’s penalty, edging them ahead. Tullamore responded in kind with their own penalty, leveling the score at 3-3.

However, Enniscorthy soon found their stride and began to build pressure. This eventually led to a well-worked try by Dave O’Dwyer, putting the home side in the lead at the break with an 8-3 advantage.

If the first half was tough, the second was every bit as poor! The weather seemed to be getting  worse, and Tullamore, buoyed by the deteriorating conditions, made it clear they were determined to turn this match into a war of attrition. They repeatedly gave away penalties, but Enniscorthy were guilty of their own mistakes, with knock-ons and handling errors keeping Tullamore in the game.

With just 10 minutes remaining, Enniscorthy turned down a chance to extend their lead to 8 points with a kick at goal. Instead, they opted to go for a try and were rewarded as Tomás Stamp powered over from a maul to make it 15-3. 

Tullamore managed a last-gasp consolation try, but it was clear the game had already been decided. Enniscorthy claimed the win, though they would not be satisfied with their performance. While the result was vital, the performance left plenty to be desired.

Now, attention shifts to next weekend’s crucial encounter, where Enniscorthy will host Ballyclare at Alcast Park at 2:30. Ballyclare are on a strong run, having won five consecutive games and are making a late push for the promotion places. If Enniscorthy are to keep their title aspirations alive, they will need to be far more clinical than they were this week.

Next weekend's match promises to be a real test to keep the title ambitions on track.

Team: Ore Lasis, Davie Murphy, Scott O’Connor, Tom Ryan, Tomàs Stamp, Liam Stamp, Lee Treacy, Tommy Morrissey, Fiachra Hourihane, Graham Barry, Dave O’Dwyer, Daniel Pim, Nick Doyle, Rhyan Whelan, Jack Kelly Subs: Andrew Redmond, Mikey McVeigh, Darragh Joyce, Dominik Morycki, Miguel Byrne