OARFC 4XV v COOKE 3XV
5 December 2022
Instonians Team Announcement
9 December 2022Omagh 1st XV - 17
Ballina 1st XV – 24
After last weekend's near miss against Bangor, Glenn Kyle's men made the trip down to Mayo on Saturday morning to take on Ballina in AIL Division 2C. With injuries and unavailability's starting to rear their head at this stage of the season Omagh had a few new combinations on the park but had the opportunity to get a vital win on the road on Saturday.
Having played Ballina in the promotion playoffs to reach the AIL in 2017 Omagh were familiar with their opposition who got relegated that season. Ballina stormed to the Division 2C title in the 2018-2019 season with 14 wins and beat Omagh 23-19 in the first game of that season. Omagh missed out on the playoffs by 4 points but did take the bragging rights in the last meeting of these 2 teams as they triumphed 19-7 at the Thomas Mellon Playing Fields on Saturday 13th April 2019.
With Omagh sitting in 8th and Ballina in 10th both teams needed a win on Saturday on their 4G pitch with conditions favourable to running rugby. Omagh started well and after a good early showing in the scrum, Josh Kyle converted a penalty to send them into a 0-3 lead.
Omagh returned the favour to Ballina by conceding a kickable penalty themselves but the home kicker was off target. Unfortunately for Omagh, the bounce of the ball favoured the hosts after this as they pounced to get the games first score which was converted to send them into a 7-3 lead.
Omagh hit back with the games next score as captain Mitchell continued his strong try scoring form to go in for Omagh’s first try of the day after multiple phases – Josh Kyle was successful from the tee again to regain the lead – Ballina 7 Omagh 10.
Omagh’s defence was cut open by the Ballina’s 13 as he sailed through close to the ruck and scored a converted try – Ballina 14 Omagh 10. It has to be said Omagh’s defence and indiscipline cost them all day but they did play some great rugby when they had the ball and this was on show for all to see as the returning Robbie Sproule threw a sumptuous offload to Adam Longwell and he dotted down. Kyle again converted and the half time score was Ballina 14 Omagh 17.
Having weathered the first half Ballina storm, Omagh knew they needed to start the second half well and clean up their penalty count but indiscipline was to ruin their plans as the hosts got the first try after the restart as they picked and went close to the line and finally dotted down. This was converted by their out half to send them into a 21-17 lead.
Omagh fell into the trap of trying to play too much rugby in their own half for the remainder of the game and Ballina got the days final score as they converted a penalty to go into an unassailable 24-17 lead. The referee’s final whistle blew and Omagh headed home with only a losing bonus point to show for all their efforts.
Next up is a home clash with runaway league leaders Instonians in a massive AIL Division 2C game this Saturday. If anyone is interested in attending the very popular prematch meal for the Instonians or Bangor game’s they should contact President Kevin Murnaghan on 07775811851 or Chairman Allan Duncan on 07900608641.
Remaining 2022 1st XV fixtures:
- 12.22 – Instonians – Home – AIL
- 12.22 – Bangor – Home – Ulster League
Omagh Accies 1XV (1-20)
D. Braden, J. Matthews, S. Creane, J. Duff, R. Sproule, R. Braden, A. Longwell, M. Clyde, F. Lagan, S. McCain, R. Mitchell (c), J. Kyle, S. Ballantine, N. Browne, S. Maclaine, G. McKinley, E. McKeown, M. Gibson, J. Rainey & A. Allen.