Skins produce error strewn performance

Grosvenor 1st XV 30 Enniskillen 1st XV 12

ENNISKILLEN 1st XV had a disappointing day at the office last Saturday as they suffered defeat to Grosvenor 1st XV.

This was a team struggling in the league who were ripe for some away points but capitalised on an error strewn Skins performance.

Skins started well despite incurring an early penalty shot at goal for accusations of wheeling the scrum, despite often appearing the dominant force.

In attack, they looked much the superior side, however, and the forwards were powering through contact with ease against the home side, Neil Rutledge leaving tacklers in his wake as Skins built pressure inside the Grosvenor 22’ off a lineout, which was the one flawless element of the game marshalled by Keenan and Carleton.

Eventually Matthew Graham crossed the line for a score after continued short range carries from the forwards, taking the lead 3-5.

Enniskillen continued to look superior in attack but failed to retain possession or build any real pressure as handling errors, penalties at the breakdown and scrum gave the home side a multitude of opportunities to relieve pressure and set up camp in the Skins half.

Repeated penalties had Skins now trailing 9-5 at the end of the half but looking like they could easily turn it around.

Skins looked set to repeat their second half resurrection seen in recent weeks as they started well; the backline came alive now and

George Foster moved the ball well through Hill and James Balfour while Sam Balfour’s footwork caused problems for the defence.

The pack continued to gain ground and eventually the ball went wide to Mark O’shea who crossed to bring Skins back in the lead, 9-12.

Unfortunately, Skins stalled at this point and the game became a nightmarish last 15 minutes.

Knock-ons in attack and penalties at the ruck made it impossible to build pressure. Grosvenor scored shortly afterwards after a period of sustained pressure in the Skins half.

No time had passed before the home side exploited a gap through the ruck and went 50 metres to set up camp and score again.

A final score came from a mishandled kick in behind to leave a poor sheen on the scoreline.

It was a hard one for Enniskillen to take as it was such a poor example of what the side can do, and a harsh scoreline given the game was mostly hard fought.

Skins will need to be much sharper this weekend as they host second placed league side Ballyclare who look particularly strong this season.