Strong squad display sees Skins defeat spirited Clogher

Clogher 7 Enniskillen 38

the floodlights at the Cran on a blustery evening, the Skins U-16 girls continued their early season success with a strong squad display against a spirited and resolute Valley side.

Skins started the game well dominating the breakdown and showing the game structure they have been working so hard on in training.

Going through the phases led to an early Sarah Corry try, converted by Leah Irwin.

Continued strong carries from the Skins pack produced quick clean ball for the visiting backs, who started to stretch a well organised Valley defence.

The pressure eventually told with the impressive Orlaith Maguire crashing over after a real team effort. The kick hit the post.

Skins continued to play their phases very well with the entire team getting ball in hand at some stage over the next five minutes.

Strong running and quick hands eventually released the speedy Freya Brennan, who showed the defence a clean pair of heels for a fine score.

The difficult conversion was narrowly missed.

The home team then turned on their rucking game and started to win the battle of the loose.

Playing aggressive rugby they really began to put the pressure on the free-flowing Skins side; however, despite their efforts they didn’t get the breakthrough and the half finished up 0-17.

The large crowd were anticipating a strong second half of rugby and that’s what they got.

Valley started well, continuing their dominance at the ruck, and only for some forced handling errors by a strong Skins defence, would have surely got on the score sheet.

Skins managed to ride out this period of Valley dominance in the loose and slowly started to regain the composure and playing pattern that had served them well during the first 20 minutes.

Superb handling

Playing themselves to deep within the Valley 22 through some superb handling and link-up play by the backs and forwards, they were awarded a penalty which was taken by Captain Leah Irwin, who smashed under the posts for a try to settle the second half nerves.

Then followed a period of 15 minutes where the Skins side looked like they might run away with the game.

Tired legs all around the pitch gave the visitors the chance to show their handling and running skills with two quick scores of a similar nature.

Both were total team scores with hard-fought ruck ball won, phases built and the ball spread wide with some excellent handling.

This resulted in Leah Irwin completing her hat trick, complete with conversions.

The final five minutes were then dominated by a Valley side that just would not give up.

They battered at the Enniskillen defence, showing some great ball retention ability with the result being a well-taken converted try.

The final score was 7-38. Overall, it was a great game of rugby.

The Enniskillen side should be very happy with large parts of the game where they demonstrated their clear abilities to play a well-structured and effective style of rugby.

There were some passages of play which any team would have been proud of.

With two such large local squads, the girls’ game at U-16 level is in fine health, which is great to see.

The Player of The Game was awarded to the hard-working Alex Boyd, who gave everyone a lesson in how to win ball at the breakdown. She tackled well all game and showed team spirit.