All Ireland Junior Cup Quarter Final

Enniscorthy 23 Dundalk 18

Enniscorthy had to work hard for this win which gives them a semi-final spot next month. By and large it was an entertaining game where both teams spread the ball. Dundalk had a big physical side but they were caught out wide twice in the second half when Enniscorthy scored two of their tries. This was the difference.

Dundalk dominated early proceedings and their scrum half Conroy kicked an early penalty. Out half Jack Kelly kicked a penalty soon after to level matters. But the visitors continue to dominate and scored an excellent try through their centre Steen which was converted. They should have scored again on the 20 minute mark but failed to hold the pass. They did however kick a further penalty five minutes later which put them 10 points ahead.

With lock Joe Carley now back on the pitch after a yellow card and the introduction of Angelo Todisco and Davy Murphy the home scrum began to settle. After a penalty scrum near the line centre Killian Lett off loaded to Jack Kelly who dived over. His conversion was just wide and this left Enniscorthy trailing by 13-8 at the break.

Enniscorthy came out a different team after the interval and scored 3 tries within 12 minutes. Tight Head Paddy Waters was at the end of a well-executed line maul to score in the left corner. They were now on the front foot led by some excellent charges up the middle from Captain Tom Ryan. Slick passing found No 8 Nick Doyle on the wing and he sprinted 30 metres to score a wonderful try in the right corner. Three minutes later they attacked down the left flank, Full back Richie Dunne came into the line to pass to Wing David O’ Dwyer who dived over in the left corner. Enniscorthy were now 10 points ahead (None of the four tries were converted) and really should have driven on further.

With 15 minutes remaining and Dundalk coming back into the game they scored a try in the right corner to set up a tight finish. With less than 10 minutes left Killian Lett was harshly yellow carded for a supposed high tackle. Enniscorthy held out although the Dundalk prop Farrell should have scored when he dropped the ball in a tackle near the line.

Next week it is back to the league when Enniscorthy travel to Gorey for a top of the table clash. Enniscorthy will need to be more clinical if they are to win this one. They expect to have some more of their squad back for this crucial match.

James Doyle, Murt Kehoe, Paddy Waters, Tomas Stamp, Joe Carley, Tom Ryan (Capt), Liam Stamp, Nick Doyle, Arthur Dunne, Jack Kelly, David O’ Dwyer, Killian Lett, Hughie O’ Neill, Ivan Jacob, Richard Dunne.

Subs: David Murphy for M Kehoe(35 mins), Angelo Todisco for J Doyle (35 mins), Daniel Pim for I Jacob (65 Mins), Billy Wickham, Andrew Redmond.