Seconds close the gap on Ashbourne
ENNISCORTHY SECONDS dusted themselves off after the Christmas break with a really hardfought win again top of the table Ashbourne on Saturday.
With Ashbounre lying five points ahead at the top prior to kick-off, this was simply a must-win game for Enniscorthy.
Right from the off Ashbourne were showing no signs of rustiness from the Christmas break, with some strong carries and good work.
However, after 20 minutes all they had to show for their efforts was a 3-0 lead as Enniscorthy’s defence held firm.
Enniscorthy started to get their atracking game going and were rewarded with a kickable penalty on 35 minutes. Out-half Jack Kelly made no mistake, to go in level at 3-3 at half-time.
Enniscorthy started the second-half like men possessed, and a combination of strong carrying from the forwards and some quality passes from the back meant Billy Wickham was rewarded for persistence as he scooted over the line.
Not content with the 8-3 lead, Enniscorthy went over again, with Jim White capping a fine comeback performance with a cracking individual try, taking the ball on his own ten-metre line and powering over in the corner.
Enniscorthy were well and truly on top now and, with excellent carrying by Murt Kehoe and Alan Jacob, it was only a matter of time before they crossed the line again.
Luke Cummins went over to add the third try for Enniscorthy, with out-half Jack Kelly kicking the conversion.
Ashbourne got a consolation try as the game ticked towards injury time to leave the final score 21-8 to Enniscorthy.
It was a great team performance by Enniscorthy, with all players really putting themselves about and giving it everything after a two-week break.
Enniscorthy play Bective Rangers next week and will be full of confidence after the performance last weekend.
Team: Murt Kehoe, Jamie Barron (capt.), Conal Kavanagh, Oisín Cullen, Stephen Hadley, Alan Jacob, Luke Cummins, Jim White, Billy Wickham, Jack Kelly, Mel Doyle, Ronan Doyle, Hughie O’Neill, Adam Gethings, David Shore. Subs. (all used) - Tom Farrar, Andy Redmond, Fiacre Ryan, Brendan Kearney, Evan Kelly.