1st XV finish with a Win

Saturday 6th April 2024

 

Omagh Accies 1XV – 22

Enniscorthy     1XV – 5

 

Omagh Accies entered Saturday’s final All Ireland League game of the season in the precarious position of 8th place in Division 2C. They were level on 26 points with Ballina RFC and one point ahead of Ulster neighbours Bangor RFC so they knew a win would go a long way in securing their senior status for another season.

 

With Storm Kathleen making her arrival on Saturday morning, conditions at the Thomas Mellon Playing Fields were amongst some of the worst ever seen for a match in Omagh but the game went ahead with Enniscorthy the visitors.

 

Omagh played against the elements and up the hill in the first half but to their credit they put their shoulders to the wheel and defended stoutly to limit the visitors to an early unconverted try. Omagh held Enniscorthy up over the line on numerous occasions and defensively showed great character to frustrate a team who were in third place going into the game.

 

With around 30 minutes gone, the Accies somehow worked their way up the pitch towards the try line and, when they were awarded a penalty for continual infringements from the visitors, they opted to run the ball forward. Tight head prop Simon Creane carried hard from his own tap and straight away Mark Hopton Brown was thrown over the line by his forward pack to level the scores. Out half Scott Elliott was unsuccessful with the difficult conversion but the Accies had somehow drawn the game despite playing against the brutal elements.

 

Just before half time, the heavens opened which only added to Storm Kathleen’s gale so when the referee blew for the half time break, with the scores level, everyone sprinted for the shelter of the bar or the changing rooms.

 

Funnily enough when everyone remerged for the second half, they were welcomed by some spring sunshine which was accompanied by a stirring second half performance from the Accies. With Enniscorthy’s discipline worsening and their frustration increasing, Omagh seized their opportunities and played a style of rugby suitable to the conditions which were now at their backs.

 

Omagh’s second unconverted try was scored by number eight Matthew Clyde and soon after Enniscorthy’s second row was shown a red card for continuous back chat to the referee and Omagh now had the momentum going into the final quarter of the game.

Hooker Hopton-Brown completed his hat trick with two more tries through great carrying and team play and out half Elliott was successful with one conversion on a difficult day for kickers.

 

With the bonus point now secured, the pressure release was evident from all in attendance as the possibility of relegation was now a distant memory as Ballina were beaten by Omagh’s local rivals and league winners Clogher Valley and Bangor beat Midleton but had to settle for the relegation playoff spot. Congratulations to Clogher Valley on their back-to-back promotions and winning the league on their first season in the AIL.

As the full time whistle blew, conditions were back to the horrible rain and wind from before half time, but Omagh had avoided the dreaded drop and hugs and celebrations were everywhere to be seen as the relief was palpable.

 

Another difficult season for Omagh in the All Ireland League with a young side who at times showed their ability and togetherness but some weeks they lacked an edge and therefore found themselves in a relegation battle. Thankfully, again, they pulled themselves out of a hole but they will hope to avoid another nervous end to next season.

Some highlights from the season would be the win away to league champions Clogher Valley and some of the performances and tries that were scored showed how good this Omagh side could be. High hopes for next season for Omagh Accies RFC 1XV who will look forward to another season travelling Ireland as a Senior club.