Despite the final scoreline, the match was a physical and often scrappy encounter, characterised by big hits and momentum swings. Ultimately, Enniskillen’s ability to capitalise on their scoring opportunities proved the difference.
Enniskillen set the tempo from the kick-off, finding their rhythm early. After a series of well-worked phases off a five-metre scrum in the 6th minute, scrum-half Aukuso Vaelua Teo sniped over for the opening score. Eddie Keys added the extras to make it 7-0.
Ballynahinch looked to respond immediately, with Quinn Armstrong and Harry McKeown orchestrating play. They reached the try line in the 14th minute, but a superb defensive stand led by James Carleton kept them at bay. Shortly after, Enniskillen were reduced to 14 men when Michael Rooney saw yellow for a deliberate knock-on.
Despite the man disadvantage, Enniskillen extended their lead. After dangerous breaks from George Foster, Eddie Keys slotted a penalty to make it 10-0. Hinch eventually found their breakthrough in the 31st minute when hooker Christopher Francis crashed over following a sustained period of pressure. McKeown’s conversion narrowed the gap to three points.
However, Skins finished the half with a flourish. James Trotter rose to claim a high ball and race away for a superb converted try, followed quickly by another Keys penalty to leave the score 20-7 at the interval.
HT: Enniskillen 20 – 7 Ballynahinch 2XV
Ballynahinch started the second period with renewed physicality, with Ryan Halpin and Kyle Gill leading the defensive effort. However, Enniskillen broke their resolve in the 44th minute when second-row Jack Rutledge surged from the 22 to crash over the whitewash.
The game entered a scrappy, physical phase as the hour mark approached. Joe Charles worked tirelessly for Hinch, but Enniskillen’s clinical edge remained sharp. In the 64th minute, hooker Niall Keenan produced a highlight-reel moment, sprinting from outside the 22 to score under the posts, extending the lead to 34-7.
As the clock ticked down, James Trotter added his second of the afternoon, and though Hinch’s Kyle Gill scored a late, deserved try after two powerful handoffs, Enniskillen had the final word. In the 80th minute, Vaelua Teo crossed for his second try, with the ever-reliable Keys maintaining his perfect record from the tee.
Teams
Enniskillen
1 Oisin Timoney, 2 Niall Keenan, 3 Matthew Graham, 4 Chris Balfour, 5 Jack Rutledge (C), 6 James Carlton, 7 Angus Keys, 8 Michael Rooney, 9 Aukuso Vaelua Teo, 10 Adam Chester, 11 Charlie Logan, 12 Eddie Keys, 13 James Trotter, 14 Sam Balfour, 15 George Foster
Replacements
16 Cameron Smith, 17 Toby Newman, 18 Reece Barrett, 19 Daire Hill, 20 James Ferguson
Ballynahinch 2XV
1 Kevlin Hamilton (C), 2 Christopher Francis, 3 Joe Charles, 4 Ryan Halpin, 5 Kyle Gill, 6 Tom Martin, 7 Ben Wilson, 8 Stephen Campbell, 9 Conor Gibson, 10 Harry McKeown, 11 Daniel Bennett, 12 Quinn Armstrong, 13 Adam Bennett, 14 Alex Topping, 15 Matthew Sweetlove
Replacements
16 Michael McCavery, 17 Harry McCormick, 18 Rhys Ewing, 19 Josh McMullan, 20 Simon Jackson
Scorers
Enniskillen
Tries: Vaelua Teo (2), Trotter (2), Rutledge, Keenan Cons: Keys (6) Pens: Keys (2)
Ballynahinch 2XV
Tries: Francis, Gill Cons: McKeown (2)