Newcomers and Skerries the prime movers in quest for title BRENDAN FURLONG
DESPITE THEIR second half fade-out, Enniscorhty continued their march at the top of Division 2C, but only just.
Holding a one-point lead going into this game over the title favourites, Skerries, whom they have already defeated, the try of replacement tight head prop Angelo Todisco with the final passage of play gave them the bonus point that keeps them in top spot.
As the league enters the final two rounds of games before Christmas and the new year break, Enniscorthy are sitting in first place on 28 points, with Skerries just one point adrift, while Omagh and
Bruff fill the top four play-off spots on 18 and 17 points respectively.
The indications so far are that it’s developing into a real battle for eventual league honours between Enniscorthy and Skerries.
At the end of a torrid test from Tullamore, the Enniscorthy players, mentors and supporters looked pleased with the outcome, as they not alone held out for victory but also secured that bonus point, to keep them in pole position as they travel to play City of Derry on Saturday.
For Enniscorthy the opening 40 minutes produced the perfect rugby, but in the second-half they had to show their fighting qualities, as they defended their interval lead of 19 points.
It was a tricky second-half after a really clinical first 40 minutes, but once they survived that onslaught they managed to get up the field to secure that bonus point try.
It’s those battling qualities that have seen Enniscorthy take life in Senior club rugby by the scruff of the neck.
While it may not have been a controlled 80 minutes, they were still able to show their attacking strength in the first-half, while their defensive qualities came very much to the forefront in that second period when Tullamore really pounded their line.
The first-half was all about Enniscorthy’s power and control.
They kept the ball, took over the set-pieces, and forced Tullamore on to the back foot with some scintillating attacking rugby.
But while they were unable to maintain this through the second period, as the back line was starved of possession, they were far from bereft of ideas.
They defended powerfully, with one crucial tackle from Ivan Jacob out on the right wing denying his opposite number, demonstrating that the side maintained their composure when the slightest of errors could have seen their lead evaporate.
The second-half was a changed environment, but coaches Kieran Hurrell and Declan O’Brien freshened the side up for the closing 20 minutes.
And with Billy Wickham providing that extra speed of delivery from the base of the scrum on his introduction, it helped the side regain a foothold for the closing 15 minutes.
After a game like that, Enniscorthy will now make the long journey to the City of Derry on Saturday for what will be a really tough assignment.
Even though City of Derry are mid-table, they are coming off the back of a victory over Bruff which will make for a demanding game for the leaders.
The last pre-Christmas game will be home to another well-established Ulster side, Bangor, on Saturday week, December 14.