As the Medallion 15 took to the field on Saturday they were determined to improve on the previous week’s performance and utilise the improvements sustained during the week’s training. Defensive structure and tackling showed major improvement as Rainey were forced to work hard to find holes and frequently made errors in their handling due to the ERGS pressure from set piece play. The line-out and scrummage ball were as stable as always and handling among the back line saw the ball spread towards the wings and threaten the midfield. As predicted the Rainey 8 was the greatest threat to the ERGS boys using his speed and handling to evade and break tackles and move the Rainey ball beyond the gain line. Rainey opened the scoring with 2 tries in the first half but as half time approached an impressive intercept by captain McConkey and conversion by Johnston saw the ERGS boys put themselves back in the game 7-12 at half time.
The second half saw the Enniskillen side raise the tempo as they well and truly took the game to Rainey. Ingram continued to kick in behind the Rainey defence allowing Owen to use his pace to put the Rainey 15 under pressure. The ERGS forwards then began to hammer the Rainey defensive line playing a considerable amount of the game in the Rainey half and coming tantalisingly close to putting additional points on the board time and time again. Unfortunately the intensity of play meant that on two further occasions the Rainey boys were able to capitalise on mistakes and run in two more scores before the end on the game.
Altogether a frustrating result but an excellent game of rugby showing real heart and determination to build each week towards the approaching Shield competition this December.
