Omagh Earn Bonus Point against Cooke
7 September 2026Ards v Omagh
19th September 2026
On Saturday 19th September Omagh made the journey to play newly promoted Ards in the 3rd league game of Championship 1. It was the first time the 2 sides had faced each other in a league game since 2017.
Omagh started the game playing into a strong wind. Connor Watherston-Spencer was the man to open the scoring for the Accies. Following some strong carries by the Accies pack in their own half, Watherston-Spencer received the ball in his own half, threw a great dummy pass to break through the first line of defense, he then showed incredible speed to outpace multiple Ards defenders to finish an outstanding solo try. He added the conversion to put the Accies into a 7-point lead.
Hooker Phil Ewing was keen to add to his scoring tally, following a hat-trick last week against Malone 2nds, he followed up with a brace this week to continue his impressive scoring form. Ewings’ first score for the Accies came from a good break by Ben Henry. Once into the Ards 22 the Accies stretched the Ards defense from one touchline to the next, a good offload from second row Joseph Duff saw Ewing crash over for his first try of the game. Converted by Connor Watherston-Spencer.
Following another line break Henry was unlucky to score in the corner, and after more pressure a few meters out from the Ards line, Ewing crossed over again, this time the conversion was missed to leave the scoreline Ards 0-19 Omagh. Scott Wilson was unlucky not to score next, as he was held up over the Ards line following another good break by Ben Henry. It was Sean Kerr who was next to score for the Accies, from a solid scrum platform outhalf Watherston-Spencer released Henry again, who put Sean Kerr over in the corner to score a great try off first phase. New signing Noa Zencaesa Euta crashed over next to leave Omagh 29 points ahead going into the half time break.
Omagh was keen to continue their impressive first half performance, with Captain Clyde next on the scoresheet. After winning a penalty near the halfway line, scrum half Fintan Lagan saw an opportunity and took a quick tap and charged up field. He was supported by David Braden who continued to evade defenders into the 22, Braden drew the last defender and passed to Clyde to go over close to the posts. Pulusi Atina Toeaanna added the conversion Ards 0-36 Omagh.
Ards now put pressure on the Omagh defense, with some poor discipline allowing Ards to enter the Omagh 22. After numerous phases being repelled, they eventually scored in the corner to open their account. Unfortunately for Ards this would be their only score of the day as the Accies defense repelled anything Ards threw at them.
Omagh responded well, with some good handling creating space on the edge and winger Matty Eccles had a sublime airborne finish, diving over in the corner to avoid the Ards last ditch defenders. Soon after big second row Jamie Sproule crashed over to extend Omagh’s lead following a good driving maul and some strong carries by the Accies pack. Ards 5-46 Omagh. Scrum half Fintan Lagan finished the scoring for the Accies, with some great offloading interplay between the backline, Lagan scored under the posts. Converted by Pulusi Atina Toeaanna.
Final score Ards 5-53 Omagh in what was a fantastic performance away from home, making it 3 wins from 3 in the league so far. The squad will look to continue their winning form, as they now look forward to welcoming Bangor to Thomas Mellon playing fields on Saturday 26th September.
