Enniskillen 3rdXV v Inishowen 1st XV
October 13th 2007

A confident Inishowen took to the field in their 4th match of the season, travelling to Enniskillen for the fixture in what is traditionally a bruising encounter with the Fermanagh men. With the peninsula men early league leaders, they knew that to retain their tenacious hold on their position would require a good solid performance on the day.
From the outset, it was evident that the powerful ‘Skillen pack were looking to dominate the visitors with good strong running, but although at times Inishowen were guilty of poor tackling, the defensive structures instilled in them by coach Kevin Gallagher, managed to soak up this pressure.

The visitors nerves were settled in the early stages of the game with a try from Sean Craig but going behind by a few points galvanised the home side and they had a productive 10 minutes where they were camped in the Inishowen 22 meter and pressuring the try line. Stout defence repelled the invaders however, and after that period of sustained attack, Inishowen re-established their command of the game, good productive play providing good attacking positions, which in due course saw Captain Craig again crossing to lengthen the lead.

By the half time whistle, Inishowen had produced some good, well structured rugby, keeping shape in defence and using intelligent attacking channels. This pattern was re established when Inishowen scored very quickly after the restart, tries from Oliver McConelogue and the evergreen oilman Conor Kelly disheartening the home team.


The defensive strategies that Inishowen employed to good effect in the first half continued to serve them well, good discipline and patience around the ruck area made any gained yards from ‘Skillen hard earned and on numerous occasions saw the ball turned over to Inishowens benefit. In attack however, Inishowen lost some of the structure that had served them well in the first half, and were guilty at times of missed opportunities against a gradually tiring opposition by playing a looser off the cuff style of play.

The final score of the game came from a run by the impressive Emmet Johnston in his first outing for the 1st team, he used an intelligent line of running , committed his defender before passing outside to his support, Olive McConologue crossing the line to claim the points. With three of the tries being converted, and kicking 2 penalties, Finn McCormick helped to raise the score to a very satisfactory 37 – 0.

Many thanks to the An Tua Nua bar in Buncrana for their hospitality on the homeward journey, providing sandwiches and a comfortable seat to watch the semi final of the world cup on Saturday evening.

The next game for the 1st team, next Saturday at the community school, promises to be a tight encounter when they host Academy who are currently snapping at Inishowen’s heels in the League. All spectators and supporters are more than welcome; it would be a great way to get into the mood for the World cup final later that same day.

TEAM

1. Brian Harkin
2. Mojo Harkin
3. Paddy Johnston
4. Conor Kelly
5. Matthew McCrossan
6. Anthony Cantwell
7. Adrian McLaughlin
8. Emmet Johnston
9. Mark McLaughlin
10. Paul McMenamin
11. Oliver McConologue
12. Sean Craig (captain)
13. Conor Mulkearns
14. Shane Ritchie
15. Finn McCormick

 

Is your team thinking on touring
Contact Mick Morgan E-mail irfc@eircom.net
074:93:74722 or 00353:74:93:74722