2ndxv Finish on High

Omagh Accies 2XV welcomed Donaghadee 1XV in their final Junior Plate Pool C Fixture on Saturday and put in a great performance to round off their season with a 45-12 victory. With both sides having lost to Randalstown in their earlier Plate fixtures, they knew this game was a ‘dead rubber’ and licence was given to throw the ball around.

 

In the spring sunshine, Omagh started brightly after taking the kick off and went through several phases before their forward power proved too strong as Mark ‘BJ’ Smyth carried two would be defenders over the line to dot down for the games first score which was converted by the returning Andy Allen at out half.

Omagh secured the restart and went about their business efficiently as they made their way up to the visitors line and won a scrum. With a strong platform secured by the front five, number 8 porter showed his footwork and speed to touch down for the games second try and send Omagh into an early 12-0 lead.

Omagh looked dangerous in most facets of the game and with debutants Kerr and Henry in the back three being marshalled by experienced full back Maclaine, any possession that was kicked away by the visitors was soon ran back with aplomb. Henry went on to score the games next try as he scored in his first senior rugby appearance and Allen added the extras to send Omagh into a 19-0 lead.

 

Just before the break Maclaine got in on the action as another fine back move saw him go in out wide and the half time score was 26-0 to the hosts. Unfortunately injuries in the 1XV warm up meant Maclaine was withdrawn at the break for a stint on the bench against Midleton.

 

Encouraging words from coach Kane and the senior players at half time seemed to no avail as Donaghadee got the first score of the second half to reduce their arrears to 26-7 but Omagh regained focus and scored through centre Hawkes to now lead 33-7 with around 50 minutes gone.

 

Unfortunately for Omagh, lightning struck twice as another injury in the 1XV warm up meant second row Sproule was withdrawn and a reshuffle occurred in the pack. Omagh took some time to adjust to the changes and during this period ‘Dee went over again to bring the scores to 33-12.

 

Having talked behind the posts after the visitors second score Omagh went on to score two more tries as captain Sherrard sneaked in from 5 yards and centre Hawkes went over again with the try of the day as the offloads stuck to round off a good performance to end the season. The final score was 45-12 to Omagh and a successful day was had.

 

Thanks must go to 2XV coaches James Kane and Glenn Warnock for all their hard work throughout the season as Omagh held their own in a very competitive 2XV League and competed in two cup competitions. These experiences should find them in good stead next year as they look to built upon their performances with a young but talented squad.

 

Omagh Accies 2XV (1-17)

G. Sherrard (c), R. Hemphill, M. Smyth, A. Crawford, Jo. Sproule, J. Brolly, S. Wilson, D. Porter, E. Murnaghan, A. Allen, S. Kerr, A. Catterson, J. Hawkes, B. Henry, S. Maclaine, E. McKeown & C. Hawkes.