Playing their first match since the hard-earned victory against Clogher, Skins had to make no fewer than ten changes to their team. The early kick-off gave the visitors little time for preparation and conditions were vile. Playing with the elements Skins took an early lead with a Neil Carleton penalty but just as quickly conceded a try after some good interpassing by the Omagh forwards. It took some time for the Skins forwards to get to grips with the Omagh pack but fine driving by Wright, Watson and Quigley gave Skins the territorial advantage and Carleton converted two more penalties before half-time. During this period Skin’s backs showed they had the better of the opposition and nearly scored on several occasions. Indiscipline and a yellow card for Omagh helped take the pressure off Skins and they turned round 9-5 up.
Given the strengthening wind and rain behind the home team it seemed a matter of time before Omagh scored. It didn’t turn out that way as Skins made light of the conditions and carried the ball well to Omagh. When Omagh attacked Skins defended with great skill and vigour and more importantly conceded very few penalties. Midway through the half Skins fielded an Omagh kick and ran it back at them.
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Mark Ross made the initial break and fed Matt Drumm who scored wide-out. Omagh did come back to add a penalty but Skins played out the remaining minutes with a solid scrum from which Matthew Tanswell frequently picked and drove. In the last minute Omagh finally scored but couldn’t convert the kick to leave Skins narrow but worthy winners. Full credit to all team members but particularly to the under-19s Scott Burrell, Matt Tanswell and Alex Stephens who all performed creditably. Captain Daniel Allister also deserves credit for organising and leading the team.
