Enniscorthy rugby round-up for January

After a rough first-half to the AIL season, Enniscorthy’s Senior team needed to bounce back in a big way to try and get off the bottom of the table in 2B.

It is exactly what they did.

Two games, two wins, both in front of droves of Enniscorthy supporters up at Alcast Park.

The first came against Galwegians, the last team Enniscorthy faced before the Christmas break, on the 15th of January, where the hosts ran riot.

A Sebastian Pim hat-trick along with tries from Angelo Todisco, MJ Doyle and Nick Doyle saw Enniscorthy run away with a lobsided win by a scoreline of 44 to nil.

The next game was due to take place up in Magherafelt, Co. Derry, against Rainey Old Boys, but the game was postponed due to the pitch being frozen, so it was back to Alcast Park for the second game, against Sligo.

Tries from Angelo Todisco and Nick Doyle gave Enniscorthy a well-earned 19-5 win after a physical game of rugby.

Whilst still at the bottom of the table, escape from a possible relegation playoff is still within reach as Enniscorthy look to extend their winning streak.

The previously postponed fixture between Rainey Old Boys and Enniscorthy will take place on the 11th of February at Hatrick Park in Magherafelt.

‘Scorthy will take the road again the following weekend up to Deramore Park in Belfast to face Belfast Harlequins on the 18th before capping off the month with a home-game against Galway Corinthians up at Alcast Park on the 25th.

Meanwhile, the J1s found it tough sledding over the course of the month, a loss on the road in Dublin against Old Belvedere by a scoreline of 47 to 20. The Dublin side held a 28-0 lead at half time. However, Enniscorthy scored 20 uncontested points in an inspiring comeback attempt, but were left hanging for a late onslaught from the hosts.

Next up was another trip, facing Greystones in Dr Hickey Park. Tries from Lee Treacy and Mel Doyle and two penalties from Fiachra Hourihane kept Enniscorthy in control for 60 minutes, but a late flourish from the hosts gave them a 18-17 lead with five minutes to play.

Fiachra Hourihane kicked a penalty that Enniscorthy thought would win the game, however they were left gut wrenched after conceding a late penalty in scoring range, which was successfully kicked between the uprights, and with no time left Greystones came out the victors 21 to 20, heartbreak for the J1s.

The J1s fixtures over the course of February consist of a home game against Lansdowne on Saturday at 11.45am before a trip to Donnybrook on Sunday the 19th to face Old Wesley.