Enniscorthy take derby
ENNISCORTHY SECONDS were back in Towns Cup action on Saturday against Wexford Wanderers.
Wanderers came into the fixture on the back of a 22-15 win over Dundalk, while Enniscorthy dispatched Clane by 61-0 to set up the derby clash of round two.
It was a beautiful day for rugby and Enniscorthy started with a bang, with Jim White scoring almost immediately under the posts.
Enniscorthy were not easing up and minutes later Billy Wickham crossed for his first try.
Stephen Hadley, who has been in flying form over the last few weeks, scored Enniscorthy’s third try, with Jim white crossing for a fourth.
Just before half-time, Wickham crossed again to leave the score 35-8 to Enniscorthy at the break, with the Wanderers penalty having been scored by Richie Waters after the opening try.
And after some strong phase play, prop Aidan Stewart crossed in the corner for Wanderers before the interval.
The second-half started as the first did and Lee Tracey waltzed in under the posts. Martin Kehoe barrelled over from three yards then for his first try of the season.
Enniscorthy had clearly won this game now and eased up for the last 20 minutes.
Hughie O’Neill got a fantastic individual try just before the finish, leaving the final score 54-17.
With an eye to the final round of the league next weekend, Wanderers emptied the bench.
They kept working to create chances and were finally rewarded before the end, with winger Cormac Burke crossing in the corner after some excellent work by replacement winger Cardiff and the two Gannons.
Just before the final whistle, replacement veteran forward Doyle strolled through the Enniscorthy defence to score under the posts and allow Paul Gannon the easiest of conversions. The final score was 56-20.
Enniscorthy re-focus on their league campaign against Boyne next weekend.
They will be hoping for another big win to keep the pressure on Ashbourne in the Leinster League.
Meanwhile, Wanderers have an away trip to Newbridge next Sunday where the first XV go into the weekend in third place with the outside possibility of a league title win.
As it stands, they trail leaders Clondalkin by four points while second-placed Cill Dara are a mere three points ahead.
On paper it would appear Clondalkin are firmly in the driving seat, with little inclination to relinquishing it as they face second from bottom Railway Union at home, while Cill Dara meet bottom side New Ross at home.
Wanderers have by far the toughest challenge of the final round, facing a Newbridge side just three points behind them and eyeing up their own third place in determined fashion.
A loss for the top two and a bonus point win for Wanderers could change everything, but the likelihood of that seems a long shot.
The game kicks off next Sunday in Rosetown at 3 p.m. and is preceded by the seconds’ fixture at 1.30 p.m.
Enniscorthy: David Shore, Adam Gethings, Fiacre Ryan, Hughie O’Neill, Evan Kelly, Jack Kelly, Billy Wickham, Alan Jacob, Jim White, Lee Tracey, Stephen Hadley, Liam Stamp, Conall Kavanagh, Jamie Barron, Martin Kehoe. Subs. (all used) - Pat Doyle, Brendan Kearney, Tom Farrar, Theo Chavalier.
Wexford: James Byrne, Kevin Birney, Aidan Stewart, Ciarán Byrne, Pat Toomey, Vincent Carroll, Cillian McConville (capt.), Kevin Redmond, Kevin B. Roche, Paul Gannon, Mark Power, Barry Ryan, Richie Waters, Cormac Burke, John Gannon. Subs. - Gavin Kelly, Michael Doyle, Yohann Pinchedez, Owen B. Cardiff, Noel Richards.