Omagh 2XV v Queens 2XV

Omagh 2^nd XV - 9

Queens 2^nd XV – 13

Omagh 2^nd XV entertained Queens 2^nd XV on Saturday in typical winter conditions – dark, cold, breezy and occasional rain. Having been well beaten by Queens earlier on in the season at The Dub, Omagh knew a much improved performance would be required to stay in the contest and possibly sneak a win.

Having won the toss Omagh elected to play up the hill and against the elements in the first half and started well. Unfortunately captain Sherrard had to leave proceedings early with a worrying shoulder injury but this did not dent Omagh’s concentration as they took the game to the young visitors. Struggling to exit their half was the main problem in the first half but strong defence coupled with several handing errors from Queens relieved the pressure on Omagh. With the scrum showing up superbly all day Omagh got themselves up near Queens 22 and were awarded a penalty which was dispatched by out half Will Stewart to send them into a 3-0 lead.

Omagh’s concentration and execution, which have been problem areas in recent weeks, was there for all to see in the first half as they held their opposition scoreless and Stewart converted another penalty to send them into the break with a 6-0 lead. This could have been increased only for the referee to harshly disallow a Jack Beattie try when the ball was held up short, ripped by Queens and dotted down by the winger but the decision went against the hosts.

Turning round to play down the hill Omagh knew the job was only half done but the visitors must have been given a wake up call at half time as they started the second half much the stronger. Carrying hard, Queens reduced Omagh’s line speed and made inroads into their 22. The scored the games only try to go into a 6-7 lead which again was up for debate as the Accies support thought the ball had been held up.

Queens kicked another penalty to go into a 6-10 lead but Stewart responded with an excellent kick of his own as he judged the elements to perfection from around the 10 metre line to reduce the arrears to a single point – Omagh 9 Queens 10. Queens were awarded another kickable penalty which was converted to restore their four point advantage with 10 minutes remaining.

Omagh made their way to Queens 22 and with the scrum in ascendancy a QUB prop was sent to the bin for the remainder of the game. Omagh failed to convert from the numerous scrum penalties and the game finished Omagh 2XV 9 Queens 2XV 13.

An opportunity missed for Omagh but nonetheless a good performance will encourage this young squad as they enter their run of fixtures up to Christmas. 

Omagh 2^nd XV (1-17)

N. Kilfedder, M. H-Brown, G. Sherrard (c), G. McKinley, S. Moffitt, J. Brolly, J. Rainey, D. Porter, A. Colhoun, W. Stewart, J. Beattie, A. Catterson, J. Hawkes, R. Young, L. Kerrigan, J. Blair & B. Irvine.