Ophir RFC: I XV 46 v PSNI RFC I XV 22

Solid start to Gordon West cup campaignby Ron Bell

Ophir Firsts, supported by MCW Properties and Biffa Waste opened their 2013/2014 Gordon West Cup campaign with the tough prospect of a visit to Magowan Park by PSNI Firsts, a team which had in the past proved extremely difficult to beat.

With last season’s major drainage scheme completed, the pitches were in perfect condition for a fast handling game and the weather stayed dry.

Ophir’s forwards set out their stall within the first minute of action, winning a scrum against the head and then a penalty for PSNI holding the ball too long on the ground. This signalled a remarkable string of penalty attempts by the Ophir full back, David Walker three of which hit either the posts or the bar. But it didn’t matter too much; 6 minutes into the game and Ophir’s new second row, Kenny Morton drove over to score the opening try close to the posts. Walker converted and three minutes later scrum half Karl Davis aided by Paddy McCabe and Stevie Hastings took the ball from their own 22 for back row Dave Lucas to touch down on the wing. A successful Walker penalty took Ophir’s lead to 15 points and then for the first time in the match PSNI got their act together, stormed down the pitch and converted a penalty award for offside. But this proved only a brief setback for the home team – after another scrum against the head, Stewart Henry crashed through the PSNI defence and 5 minutes later, Neil Gray was in the forefront of a 20 metre Ophir drive to add another try. On the stroke of half time, out half James Milligan chipped ahead and in the scramble for the ball, Stevie Hastings won out. Ophir 34, PSNI 3.

For the first 15 minutes of the second half, Ophir lost concentration and conceded two tries, both well taken by the PSNI backs. But the home side recovered well and with some sparkling handling and support play, James Milligan added another 5 points at the touch flag. Then Karl Davis who had been instrumental in most of Ophir’s scoring opportunities capped his usual excellent play with a try of his own. The conversion by David Walker took Ophir’s lead to 46 – 15, but to their credit, PSNI came back at the end to touch down close to the posts. The final score; Ophir 46, PSNI 22.

Next Saturday, Larne Thirds visit Mallusk to play Ophir Seconds. Ophir Firsts are at Armoy.