Mighty 4’s Beat Lisburn

Lisburn III XV 3 - Omagh Academcials IV XV 33

Omagh Accies fourth XV travelled to face Lisburn thirds on Saturday in the last 16 of the McCambley Cup. The fours managed to book their place in the Cup quarter finals after coming out on top in a very competitive game played in challenging conditions.

Lisburn had the wind advantage in the first half and registered the first points of the day with a penalty in front of the posts after an Omagh infringement. Omagh hit back instantly with a try from a catch and drive at the lineout. Harpur was ever reliable in the air and set the maul which was steered over the line by Todd for a try which Ward converted.

Unfortunately, the game then was delayed for a ten-minute period with a Lisburn player suffering a nasty lower leg injury – best wishes to their player. On resumption of play, both sides battled about the midfield with scrums evenly contested and lineouts a lottery in the gale force winds.

Omagh ended the half with their second converted try. Taleni broke through the midfield and was stopped a few meters short, the ball was recycled and spread to Thompson, the winger went low to add to his seasons tally of tries and Ward added the extras.

Halftime – Lisburn III 3 Omagh IV 14

The Accies scored their third try and it was the score of the game. The ever-alert Wilson broke free from his own half and covered some 40 meters before he passed the ball to Todd. The hooker then played a one-two with Lyons before crossing the try line, which Ward converted.

Both teams were reduced to 14 men with Todd and the Lisburn left wing having a disagreement over counter-rucking techniques which saw both men rewarded with a 10-minute break.

Omagh scored two further tries, the first by Alexander after a Lisburn clearance kick caught the wind and went backwards and the prop forward collected the ball and scored to the right of the uprights. The last Omagh try of the day came from Rennick, Taleni broke through the midfield again and drew two defenders before passing to the winger who scored unopposed.

Lisburn were rewarded for their days efforts with the last try of the game. Omagh were again reduced to 14 with Knox yellow carded for repeated team infringements. The Lisburn men recycled the ball and eventually worked an overlap for their centre to score.

A good day at the office for the 4s who enjoyed the post-match hospitality of Lisburn. The team can now look forward to a Cup quarterfinal with opposition to be confirmed. The team send well wishes to the injured Lisburn player and hope for a speedy return. Next Saturday the 4s resume league action with a trip to face Cavan seconds.

Team (1-18)
K. Alexander(C), P. Todd, J. Reid, A. Knox, R. Harpur, R. Rainey, BJ. Wilson, S. Lyons. S. Robinson, D. Ward, L. Rennick, Y. Taleni, A. Brady, R. Thompson, S. Brown, D. Kane, J. Giboney, G. Shortt.