Ennis Rugby Club V Fethard RFC

Ennis Rugby Club V Fethard RFC Saturday 26th October 4pm Showground’s Ennis RFC have responded to the significant increase in the number of adult playing members by entering a team in Munster Rugby second teams’ competition The Gleeson League. The team kicked off their first league game against Fethard RFC from Tipperary.

The opening exchanges were a tight yet measured approach from both sides. Fethard enjoyed a significant spell in the Ennis half but could not break down the resilient defence led by Captain Stuart Farrell. Ennis showed their experience from some old veterans and new bloods but remained patient and soaked up the pressure from Fethard for a 0-0 first half. The second half saw Ennis come into their own as they took on Fethard from the start which created the games first try on 48 minutes. From a series of pick and drives the ball went through the hands of the backs all the way out to the blistering pace of Colm Turner on the wing who scored in the corner. Fethard clawed their way back into the game with two penalties to take the lead at 6-5 with 20 minutes remaining. Ennis got back into their 22 and their hard work resulted in a penalty where out-half Sean Hayes slotted to retake the lead 8-6. Fethard began to show some continuity but with 15 minutes remaining Colm Turner ripped the ball out his opposite numbers hands and raced to the line from just outside his own half for his second try of the match. Sean Hayes with a very difficult kick from the corner slotted the conversion to extend the lead 15-6. Another penalty 5 minutes later saw Ennis extend the lead again to 18-6. Ennis dominated from here on in and with the last play of the game saw back row Christopher Hanrahan take the ball from the wing and scored under the posts which Sean Hayes converted to conclude the game. Ennis 25-6 Fethard