1st come up short in Derby

OARFC welcomed a large travelling contingent from neighbours Clogher Valley on Saturday in what would have been one of the largest attendances for a game at the Thomas Mellon Playing Fields in its history. With over 1300 expectant supporters descending on Coneywarren, OARFC had to be on their task not only on the field but off it too to deal with the logistical problems associated with such large numbers. With manys a volunteer on hand to park cars, collect donations, help at the prematch meal (which had over 200 guests) or pour hot whiskeys, the scene was set for a renewal of the old rivalry as the two teams took to the field once again playing for John Rainey’s cap.

 

In the last fixture between the two clubs, Omagh came out surprising but deserved 14-18 winners at The Cran in December and they knew they would have to put in a similar if not improved performance if they were to emerge victorious once again. A poignant minutes silence was observed by all before the game in honour of Past President and loyal Accie Basil Virtue who passed away in December – may he rest in peace.

As the game started, Omagh played up the hill and struggled for possession for large parts of the first half. Clogher on the other hand started well and went into a 0-10 lead through two tries from their hooker Kyle Cobain. On what was an off day for Clogher’s kicker Maxwell, he missed two penalties and two conversions to keep Omagh in the game.

 

The derby was then played around the halfway line with Clogher looking the more dangerous when they had possession but Omagh gained a penalty and kicked for the corner. From the resulting play, they were awarded a scrum and put in an almighty shove to push the visitors back over their try line which let number 8 Matthew Clyde dot the ball down after some good control at the base. Conor W-Spencer was successful with the conversion and soon after the half time whistle blew.

 

Half time – Omagh 7 Clogher Valley 10

 

The second half was a much more subdued affair, as local derbies can be, and the solitary score was from Clogher hooker Kyle Cobain who completed his hat trick to give the visitors a 7-17 win on the road.

 

Full time – Omagh 7 Clogher Valley 17

 

Omagh will need to improve on this performance as they showed in Fivemiletown before the Christmas break that they can be a very good side when they put their mind to it. Patches of play on Saturday were very good but a number of handling errors added to poor decision making at times halted any momentum they had built.

 

OARFC 1XV will look forward to righting some wrongs this weekend as they travel to league leaders Galwegians RFC and with a large travelling support expected, they will be training hard this week in anticipation of another hard All Ireland League clash on the road.

 

OARFC 1XV (1-20)

D. Braden, P. Ewing, S. Creane, Ja. Sproule, R. Sproule, R. Braden, A. Longwell, M. Clyde, T. Lagan, C. W-Spencer, R. Mitchell (c) J. Kyle, M. Eccles, B. Henry, A. Beckett, M. H-Brown, G. McKinley, N. Magee, S. Wilson & S. Elliott.