Second XV Win in Donaghdee
7 November 20232xv Win against Rainey
14 November 2023Saturday 11th November 2023
Clonmel 1XV - 37
Omagh Accies 1XV – 21
Omagh Accies 1st XV began their long journey to Clonmel on Friday night in search of some more All Ireland League points. After staying in the Talbot Hotel they travelled to Ard Gaoithe to take on the hosts who were looking for their second win of the season.
In cold conditions and on a sodden surface, Omagh started slowly again and trailed 14-0 with only ten minutes gone through the concession of two converted tries. They began to rebuild though and their strong scrum and maul seemed like it could be the main route to recovery as they were awarded a penalty try from a lineout maul with 15 minutes gone – Clonmel 14 Omagh 7.
Again, lacklustre defence contributed to another converted Clonmel try but the Accies made their way up to the Clonmel line in search of another response. With the lineout malfunctioning they conceded a scrum and the hosts broke away to score and lead 28-7 at the break.
Most of the talk at half time centred around how much better Omagh could be but, as was the story all day, their indiscipline sucked any momentum from their play and Clonmel converted two penalties to go further ahead.
Omagh, to their credit got back in the game through another penalty try from a lineout maul and a scrum pushover but once again, just as it seemed they had got themselves back into the game, they conceded another penalty to trail 37-21 with 5 minutes to go.
Omagh had their chances to secure a try bonus point late on but their inaccuracy cost them and they headed for home with nothing to show for their efforts.
A tough day at the office for this young Accies side but they know they can be much better in both attack and defence and that their discipline will need to improve over the coming weeks. The positives on the day were once again their lineout maul and strong scrum which released pressure and gained them penalties but their failure to convert pressure into points at crucial stages in the game really cost them.
Up next is Bruff RFC at the Thomas Mellon Playing Fields this Saturday where the Accies will hope to put in a much improved performance and get back on track in the AIL. Anyone wishing to attend the prematch lunch should contact Club President Sid Duff via email to book their seat – duffsid39@gmail.com.
OARFC 1XV (1-20)
- Braden, M. H-Brown, M. Smyth, Ja. Sproule, R. Sproule, A. Longwell, S. Wilson, D. Porter, St. Ballantine, C. W-Spencer, R. Mitchell (c) J. Kyle, Sc. Ballantine, B. Henry, S. Elliott, G. Sherrard, S. Creane, M. Edgar, M. Maloney & A. Johnston.