Leaders in good form
field. Enniscorthy ran it back but John Shine turned the ball over and a superb kick from the outhalf Keane found McAllister who crossed in the corner.
Again Enniscorthy protested to the referee as there was blatant blocking on David O’Dwyer when the try was scored. Keane missed the conversion.
Enniscorthy were not finished and a despairing tackle from Ciarán Clifford on Hughie O’Neill prevented what looked like being a try.
The home team held out for a crucial win to preserve their unbeaten run and they are now four points ahead of Enniscorthy at the top of the table. Enniscorthy suffered a further blow during the game when Angelo Todisco picked up a serious leg injury and it looks as if he will be out for a while.
‘The lads are disappointed because they did not play as well as they can, but to be fair Malahide are a fine team,’ manager David Wrafter said.
‘We did butcher some scoring opportunities, no question, but Malahide also missed some chances too. We were very disappointed with some decisions the referee made, and if the Nick Doyle touchdown had have been given I am convinced we would have gone on and won.
‘I am not moaning about the referee, but wasn’t it strange that the team that had their forwards pushed all over the field won the match?
‘We are now at the halfway point in the league and there is still a lot of rugby to be played, but Malahide have put themselves in prime position to win it now but we won’t concede our title yet.
‘The lads would like to wish Angelo a speedy recovery from his injury,’ he added.
Enniscorthy’s eight forwards were superb and for once in a game they eclipsed their backs who generally had an off day by their own high standards. The scrum was magnificent and the line-out was really proficient although they lost one in their own half which resulted in the opening McAllister try.