In miserable conditions, with driving rain and a strong, squally wind making life difficult for both sides, Enniskillen produced a determined display and looked set to take the spoils before a late Banbridge try settled the contest.

The visitors showed plenty of character throughout, defending resolutely under sustained pressure before twice taking the lead in the second half.

Enniskillen welcomed back captain James Ferguson for the trip, with Harry Ingram on the wing, the Balfour brothers in the second row and Jack Rutledge on the flank.

Banbridge, who were seeking their first win after a series of narrow defeats, started brightly and put the Enniskillen defence under early pressure. However, the visitors stood firm and gradually worked their way into the contest.

On a difficult day for handling and kicking, Sam Balfour made good ground before putting in a clever kick which brought Enniskillen into the Banbridge 22.

The visitors struck first on 14 minutes when Henry Keys produced an excellent individual effort, carrying through a tackle before staying on his feet and racing over for a try under the posts. His brother Eddy added the conversion to give Enniskillen a 7-0 lead.

Banbridge responded by applying considerable pressure, but Enniskillen's defence held firm, with the forwards and backs putting in a series of important tackles. Turnover penalties also helped the visitors relieve the pressure and gain territory.

Eddy Keys came close to extending the lead with an ambitious drop-goal attempt from around 60 metres after fielding the Banbridge restart, but the effort narrowly missed.

Keys was subsequently forced off through injury and was replaced by Adam Chester, who brought considerable All-Ireland League experience to the outhalf position.

Banbridge continued to press towards the end of the half, but Enniskillen appeared to have held them out when a final attack was stopped over the line. Following a discussion between the referee and touch judge, however, a try was awarded to the home side.

The conversion was missed, leaving Enniskillen with a slender 7-5 advantage at the break.

With the wind at their backs, Banbridge began the second half strongly, but it was Enniskillen who struck next.

The visitors won possession in the Banbridge half and earned a penalty, which Chester impressively converted into the strong wind to restore their five-point advantage.

Banbridge continued to attack through their forwards and eventually drew level on 54 minutes when number eight Stinson crossed in the corner. The conversion was missed, leaving the scores tied at 10-10.

Enniskillen were dealt another setback when Will Stanley had to leave the field, but replacement Simon McIlveen rose to the challenge as the visitors continued to compete strongly at scrum time.

Banbridge moved ahead for the first time on 63 minutes when outhalf Beattie kicked a penalty to make it 13-10.

Enniskillen responded superbly, driving into the home 22 before winning a scrum. A clever dummy run by scrumhalf McConkey created the opening for the outstanding Michael Rooney to break through the Banbridge defence.

Rooney offloaded to centre James Trotter, who finished under the posts. Chester added the conversion to put Enniskillen back in front at 17-13 with 12 minutes remaining.

The visitors appeared to be growing in confidence during the closing stages, with Ferguson and Trotter making valuable ground in midfield as Enniskillen looked to see out the game.

However, Banbridge had the final say. With six minutes remaining, the home side worked their way down the left flank following a kick, allowing their hooker to break away and cross for the decisive try. The conversion was missed, but Banbridge had regained the lead at 18-17.

Enniskillen tried to find a way back in the closing minutes, but Banbridge held on to claim a narrow victory.

Despite the disappointment of leaving empty-handed, Enniskillen can take considerable encouragement from a performance which demonstrated their ability to compete at this level. Against a home side which enjoyed the greater share of possession and scored three tries, the visitors showed resilience and attacking quality in difficult conditions.

Their late second-half effort suggested they might yet snatch the win, but Banbridge's decisive score ensured the home side took the points.