Clear message from Enniscorthy

ENNISCORTHY 62

CLONDALKIN 12

ENNISCORTHY SENT out a clear message at the Ross Road on Saturday - they will be strong contenders for the Provincial Towns Cup competition which they last won in 2015.

They demolished Division 1B side Clondalkin and scored ten tries in the process. Once centre Dan Pim touched down for a try in the first minute, one had the feeling that Clondalkin were in for a long day.

Four minutes later, out-half Ivan Poole sold a dummy ten metres out and ran in under the posts.

The changes Enniscorthy made to their back line freshened things up and added impetus to the attack.

Ivan Poole had a fine game at out-half, and Hughie O’Neill had a huge game in the centre with strong straight running and slick passing.

After 15 minutes, number 8 Nick Doyle touched down from the back of a scrum as they pushed Clondalkin over the line.

Wing Ivan Jacob scored an excellent try after some slick passing from the backs. Poole converted three of the tries, while Clondalkin scored a try just on half-time to leave the score 26-5 at the interval.

Three minutes into the second-half the home side struck again when Nick Doyle made a wonderful break down the left side and released to wing David O’Dwyer who raced 25 metres to score in the corner.

Two tries from flanker Tom Ryan, one from Hughie O’Neill, and one from prop Angelo Todisco, then followed.

With five minutes to go, Ivan Jacob scored again. Conversions from Ivan Poole (one) and Killian Lett (two) brought the final score to 62 for the rampant winners.

Clondalkin had the last say, however, when they scored in the corner with the last play of the game.

The Enniscorthy coaching staff will be pleased with this performance. The attitude of the players was good and they worked hard for the 80 minutes.

For most of the game the forwards dominated, with big displays from Tom Ryan, Timmy Morrissey and Nick Doyle in the back row.

As a back line this was one of their best displays this season, although the opposition wasn’t strong.

They will relish the prospect of a tilt with the league winners, Ashbourne, in the semi-final.

This match is scheduled to be played on Sunday, April 15, at Cill Dara Rugby Club.

Enniscorthy: Angelo Todisco, David Murphy, Paddy Waters, Tomás Stamp, Joe Carley, Tom Ryan, Timmy Morrissey, Nick Doyle, Arthur Dunne, Ivan Poole (capt.), David O’Dwyer, Hugh O’Neill, Daniel Pim, Ivan Jacob, Richard Dunne. Subs. (all used) - Ross Barbour, Killian Lett, Tom Farrar, Tony White, John Daly.