AIL Division 2 South

Alcast Park

Enniscorthy's 1st home game of the new season is one that  they will want to forget after a mauling by the Limerick visitors Thomond. Enniscorthy were in trouble early with some awful defending conceding 3 tries in the opening 15 minutes. Although they recovered their composure and owned the ball for the next 15 minutes they  could not find away through the well disciplined opposition who grabbed another converted try just before half time for a 22 point lead.

Thomonds back Division had run Enniscorthy ragged in that opening 40 minutes with their half backs Arron Rice and Evan Cusack running the show ably  assisted  by winger  Sam Birrane who scored 4 tries on the day.

The 2nd half was similar to the 1st with Enniscorthy struggling to get possession. Although they again created some chances which they could not finish. 2 tries from Sam Birrane and one from Evan O'Connor put the  game out of reach of the home team. Thomond added 2 more tries before the final whistle. 

Enniscorthy did eventually score through substitute Davy Murphy in the 78th minute and Cian Hogan added the conversion. 

The opposition were outstanding and their high tempo play was just too much for Enniscorthy who are going to have to grow up quickly. 

The new season however has to be put into perspective for the home team as they have so many retirements to contend with and a new coaching team. Just 2 players from their final league match last season started on Saturday which gives an indication of the challenge facing the home team. It does look that after 2 games  this Division is going to be topsy turvey with some big scores being put up already.  Enniscorthy will hope that their players still tied up with GAA will return soon. Their new young players are going to have grow up quickly and the challenge doesn't get any easier because undefeated Clonmel come to town next Saturday.

Team:Cian Hogan,Killian Creed,Kevin O'Connor,Mikey Nolan,Bill Blyth,Graham Barry,Conal Kervick,Scott O'Connor, Jim Doyle, MJ Doyle,David Farrell, Marco Byrne,Tom Ryan,Ryan Bailey,Liam Stamp(Capt).Replacements used:Philip Murphy, Davie Murphy, Lee Treacy,Dan McRedmond and Darragh Breen.

Next game Saturday 10th October Enniscorthy vs Clonmel

Alcast Park 2.30pm.