Lurgan 18 Enniskillen 47

Enniskillen welcomed the return of Niall Keenan and Michael Rooney to the squad as they faced last season’s Championship League Two winners, Lurgan, on Saturday.

Lurgan, operating with a solid lineout and a dangerous backline, posed consistent threats to the Skins throughout the game.

Playing with the wind at their backs, Lurgan took an early lead with a penalty after Enniskillen were penalised for offside.

10 minutes in, Skins won a good lineout on halfway, and Keenan charged through the home defence, setting the tone for the visitors. Moments later, the hooker crossed for the opening try, which was well converted by Eddie Keys.

Both sides defended tightly, but Lurgan soon responded with a converted try after some slick passing and well-timed angles of attack.

However, Enniskillen hit back almost immediately. Impressive handling led to George Foster crossing for an unconverted try on 20 minutes.

Lurgan continued to press, and when Skins failed to secure loose ball, they conceded a penalty, allowing Lurgan to take a narrow lead.

With the game finely balanced, the Enniskillen pack began to assert their dominance. A powerful drive from Rooney led to Neil Rutledge scoring on 35 minutes, putting Skins back in front.

Lurgan threatened just before the break, but a resolute Skins defence held firm, and the visitors went into half-time leading 19-13.

In the second-half, the Enniskillen front row of Matty Graham, Keenan, and Andy Dane began to take control. From a scrum penalty, Henry Keys capped off a well-worked move with a try, converted by his brother Eddie.

Despite trailing, Lurgan refused to give in and managed to score a try through their winger, narrowing the gap to 26-18.

Once again, the Skins pack stepped up. Angus Keys was outstanding, covering every inch of the pitch.

His work, along with James Ferguson securing good field position deep in Lurgan territory, allowed Neil Rutledge to crash over for his second try. Eddie Keys added the conversion, and Enniskillen began to pull away.

A fine break by Mattie Dane led to another Skins lineout, and an excellent backline move set up Foster for his second try.

Though Lurgan remained competitive, it took a brilliant interception from Angus Keys to relieve the pressure, setting up Daire Hill to score. Eddie Keys, who delivered a flawless display of place-kicking, converted to extend the lead.

In the final moments, Lurgan made one last push, but a crucial turnover and drive by Oisin Timoney helped lift the siege.

The final whistle sounded with Enniskillen securing a 47-18 victory in a highly competitive and sporting contest.

It was a successful day for the senior Enniskillen men, with all three teams winning away from home. The Third XV claimed a 24-0 victory over Lurgan 2s, with tries from Paddy McCleery, Hugh Elliott, Gary Thornton, and Alex Heatherington, who notched his first for the club. Adam Lendrum added two conversions to complete the scoring.

Meanwhile, the Fourth XV won against Virginia 2s, with Amos Johnston, Ollie Hamill, and veteran Nick Finlay crossing the whitewash. Finlay also contributed a penalty and a conversion in a man-of-the-match performance.