2nd XV Come back at Rainey

OARFC 2XV made the short journey to Magherafelt on Friday evening looking to continue their good form of late and put in another strong performance in a tough 2XV League.

 

Having won the toss, Omagh kicked off and started slowly as the hosts went into an early 14-0 lead after some less than impressive defence. A great try from back rower Michael Gibson, after a number of phases from Omagh’s forwards, where he looked like the should have been stopped but bust through a number of tackles brought the score to 14-7 with around 30 minutes of the first half gone. Unfortunately for Omagh, they were to concede another converted try before half time and went into the break trailing by 21 points to 7.

 

Omagh knew they could be much better in the second half and went about their business after the break as they went through a number of phases and brought play up to the hosts 22. Unfortunately Rainey were to break away and go nearly the full length of the pitch to send themselves into what looked like an unassailable 28-7 lead with only 5 minutes of the second half gone.

 

To Omagh’s credit they kept working hard and scored through converted tries from Mervyn Edgar and Jack Beattie which brought them back to within touching distance at 28-21. Young outhalf Andrew Johnston had brought his kicking boots and was keeping Omagh in the game with his conversions and touch finders.

 

Omagh continued to weather any storm Rainey threw at them and when they made their way up to Rainey’s 22 again they sensed the opportunity of the draw and a 4 try bonus point was within reach. Out half turned full back turned scrum half Ballantine was back in his more usual position at number 10 and with a dummy and go he stretched over to secure the 4 try bonus and at least a losing bonus point. Johnston stepped up again and nervelessly slotted the conversion between the uprights to send Omagh back down the road with 3 points.

 

2 points for the draw and one for four tries seemed like a steal for OARFC 2XV who were not up to their usual standards and know they will need to improve over the coming months in order to push themselves up the 2XV League against some high quality opposition. Nonetheless, a great show of character from this young side who could have dropped their heads when they were 28-7 down after 45 minutes but they stuck to their task and gained three valuable points after a brilliant comeback.

 

OARFC 2XV now have a week off where many will make the trip to Galway to support their 1XV but they will return to 2XV League action on 27th February when they entertain Armagh 2XV at the Thomas Mellon Playing Fields.

 

OARFC 2XV (1-18)

G. Sherrard (c), R. Hemphill, M. Smyth, A. Porter, J. Houghton, J. Brolly, M. Gibson, D. Porter, St. Ballantine, A. Johnston, J. Beattie, A. Hammett, J. Hawkes, N. Brown, P. O’Grady, J. Matthews, M. Edgar & A. Colhoun.

Other Results:

City of Derry 2XV - 7

OARFC 3XV – 15