Omagh Rugby Club Notes: II XV 14 v Ballyclare Rugby Club II XV 40

Omagh resilient despite injury forcing 2 players off

Omagh Accies 2 suffered their second defeat of the season after a tough encounter in wet conditions away to Ballyclare.
The final score flattered the home side as Omagh lost flanker Porter to injury mid way through the first half, and were reduced to 13 men when returning outhalf Gibson was forced off with a shoulder injury shorty after the beginning of the second half, allowing the Ballyclare backline to exploit the overlap on a number of occasions later in the game. Despite the numerical disadvantage from early on, the Omagh forwards worked hard in the breakdown, and tried to disrupt quick ball finding its way to the Ballyclare backline.

Hard work in the lineouts from hooker Shortt and the line out jumpers Harpur and Moffit made life difficult for the Ballyclare lineout, while Rainey was a nuisance as always in the rucks winning a number of turnovers.
Even though reduced to 13 players, Omagh were able to build some smart phases of play, and prop Alexander took advantage of the gap at 10 to drive over from 10 yards out for a converted score to give Omagh a lifeline. Lee Warnock also grabbed a score on his impressive debut stepping up from the U-19’s, as he sidestepped his way past a number of tacklers and forced himself over the line for try which he also converted.
By this stage of the game, Ballyclare were beginning to stretch the Omagh backline but dogged tackling by McKelvey and Campbell, slowed their progress, while forwards Lyons, Pollock and Alexander continued to work hard against the bigger pack at the breakdown.

Despite the final score line, it was certainly not a disappointing performance from Omagh, who showed the kind of work rate that is sure to take them far this season.

Omagh 2’s hope to return to winning ways next weekend with a home game against Cooke 2’s.