Toon 1XV defeated on the road against strong Enniskillen side

Saturday saw JKC/Causeway Geotech sponsored Ballymoney 1st XV make the long trip to Co Fermanagh for the second week in succession, where Enniskillen were the opponents, only this time in league action. Although defeated in the Junior Cup tie last week, the Toon men were confident they could avenge last week’s defeat but knew they would need to be on top form.

Curtis Pollock and Matthew Blair returned to the starting XV, with Dave McKeeman making his return from injury, taking his place amongst the replacements.

In a fiercely competitive first half, the visitors took the lead with 20 minutes on the clock, Ballymoney forwards carrying well towards the Skins line with Low Gear Matty Blair crashing over the line with Young adding the conversion.

Enniskillen then attacked the Toon line and from a penalty from 5 yards out, the hooker tapped and crashed over, conversion good, 7-7.

A failed clearance after a great defensive turnout gave the home side the opportunity to take the lead, the ball moved quickly wide for the second score, home side leading at the break in an extremely tight game 14-7.

The second half was played at a similar pace to the first, and midway through the half Skins stretched the lead further when they drove over from a catch and drive lineout inside the Toon 22.

A further score was added just before the end securing the home team the valuable bonus point win and a gallant Toon side were defeated 28-7.

“The fact we are disappointed to come away with nothing today speaks volumes on how far we have come this season' said manager Chris McIlmoyle. ‘I thought all 18 players were outstanding today and Enniskillen will know they were in a game today. Our levels are increasing every week as this young side is progressing and we will continue to build. The only criticism that we can have is that a good side like Enniskillen punished us when we made mistakes and we maybe didn’t punish them to the same degree, but that is something we continue to work on. Today’s game was a great advert for Junior Rugby, and both sides left nothing out there in an extremely fast and physical game.

We move on from today, take the things we need to improve on and look forward to another battle next Saturday when we make another away journey to City of Armagh in the quarter final of the Town’s Cup in what promises to be another battle. Thanks again to the supporters who made their way down and congratulations to our 2nd XV who recorded a fantastic victory down in Enniskillen too, showing the depth we have in our squad.’