Ennis RFC pipped at the death

Youghal 13 Ennis 12

Ennis suffered the narrowest of defeats in their opening league match in Youghal on Sunday.
Played in dry conditions but with a very difficult crosswind to contend with, Ennis started brightly and took the lead after three minutes, with a penalty from Bryan Murphy. Gathering the restart, Ennis piled forward again and an infringement at a ruck allowed Murphy to land a penalty from 40m and double the lead to 6-0 after just five minutes.
Youghal rallied and started to exert some pressure through their set-piece play. A concerted period of pressure culminated in a 5m attacking scrum. After a series of resets, the Youghal number 8 broke forward and gave his winger just enough time and space to touch down in the corner for a try that went unconverted.
On the restart, Youghal again infringed and were punished by Murphy, who moved Ennis out to a 9-5 lead after 30 minutes. Despite difficulties at the scrum and lineout, Ennis were coping comfortably with the Youghal backline and a series of big hits started to frustrate the home side. Ennis were awarded another penalty and Murphy stroked the ball home from the halfway line to leave them in front at the break, 12-5, a lead they deserved.
Ennis were awarded yet another penalty shortly after the resumption but Murphy was off target with his attempt.
After an undistinguished period of play in the middle third of the pitch, good driving play by the forwards brought Ennis deep into the 22 and forced the concession of another penalty. A quick tap-penalty was halted by the defence. Ennis were then penalised for holding on.
Poor discipline and two further penalties in quick succession suddenly gave Youghal a foothold in the Ennis 22, which they were to exploit to the full. After a knock-on at a 5m defensive lineout, the Youghal scrum drove over the line to reduce the arrears to 12-10.
Ennis responded well, however, and enjoyed their best period of play over the next 10 minutes to take the momentum away from the home side.
After a turnover on halfway, clever interplay by Jeff Ruttle, David Murphy and Niall Nevin down the blindside set Saran Butler racing clear and a certain try was foiled by a last-ditch ankle tap by the Youghal winger.
With both sides tiring, the game was starting to break open and some helter-skelter rugby made for an exciting finish. A penalty infringement in the 22 with three minutes to go allowed Youghal to take the lead for the first time. Ennis responded immediately and won a penalty.
Unfortunately, it drifted wide but Ennis were to receive another chance to win the game with another penalty from distance. David Murphy’s effort stayed to the left of the posts and the game was lost.
Ennis will entertain Kanturk in round two this week.

Ennis: Dylan Tynan O’Mahoney, Jeff Ruttle, Niall Nevin, David Murphy, Saran Butler, Bryan Murphy, Brian Dolan, Conor Mahony, Thion van Rooyen, Pa Harding, Steve Dunne, John Corry, Eric McInerney, Joe Moloney, Brian Farrell.
Reolacements: Stuart Farrell for Corry, Enda Galvin for Harding.