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Enniskillen 2s and Armagh seconds served up an entertaining game at Mullaghmeen in this Junior League encounter. Enniskillen exerted early pressure in the Armagh half and only good defensive work by Armagh kept their line intact. An Armagh player was yellow carded for ‘back chat’ which left Armagh struggling to contain the bigger Enniskillen forwards.
15 minutes later against the run of play, the ball was moved quickly out the backline to the onrushing Stuart Lester who took the ball at pace and set off on a 50 metre run to score a good try at the corner. Simon Cuttle’s conversion crept over the crossbar to make the score 7 – 0.
Enniskillen fought back and after a long spell of defending in the 22, Armagh were relieved to hear the half time whistle. Now playing down the slope, Armagh looked forward to increasing the momentum and adding to the score. However with Enniskillen kicking towards Armagh to restart the game, the ball wasn’t secured cleanly and a ruck was formed on the Armagh line. The clearing kick was charged down and an alert Enniskillen forward dropped on the ball to score an unconverted try and make the score 7 – 5.
With the game delicately poised, the Armagh forwards led by Bassett, Lamb and Steven Morton took on the Enniskillen forwards and started to win more possession for the backs. Lester made another break down the touchline only to be called back by an alert touch judge when he stepped into touch. However shortly after, he made another break for the line only to be hauled down 10 metres short of the posts.
The returning Willie Martin showed great stamina in following up and received the off loaded pass from Lester to score at the posts. This converted try brought the score to 14 – 5. More good play deep in the ‘skins’ half by Steven Morton and Chris Wallace saw the ball moved to that man Lester who scored in the corner for an unconverted try. Score 19 – 5.
Although now down to 14 players, Enniskillen were undeterred and promptly put Armagh under another spell of pressure deep in the Armagh 22. When Enniskillen moved the ball across their back line, John Faloon intercepted a pass and scorched off down the pitch to touch down under the posts. With Simon Cuttle converting and the score now at 26 – 5 the referee whistled for full time.
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