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7 September 2026Ballymoney 7 : 17 Omagh
29th August 2026
Omagh Accies made the journey to Kilraughts Road on Saturday to face Ballymoney RFC in their opening game of the Championship 1 season.
Omagh applied the early pressure, making several excursions into the Ballymoney half and putting the home side under pressure with a series of scrums inside the ‘22’.
The breakthrough came through Matthew Clyde, who produced a superb finish down the left wing. Clyde evaded the first tackle before showing great strength to take two Ballymoney defenders over the line with him. Connor Watherston-Spencer added an excellent conversion from the touchline.
Ballymoney responded with their first sustained spell of pressure in the Omagh half, but outstanding defensive work from Simon Creane and Scott Wilson helped keep the hosts at bay.
The Accies closed out the half with another three points, Watherston-Spencer slotting a penalty from in front of the posts to give Omagh a 10–0 lead at the break.
The opening 20 minutes of the second half were abrasive, with both sides battling for territory. Omagh’s back three of Ben Henry, Alastair Beckett and Noa Etua provided a constant threat with some strong running.
Omagh eventually grabbed their second try following several phases of heavy forward play. Strong carries from David Braden and Sam Young punched holes in the Ballymoney defence before the seas parted for Fintan Lagan, who strode through under the posts. Watherston-Spencer converted to stretch the advantage to 17–0.
Ballymoney then enjoyed a prolonged spell of possession inside the Omagh ‘22’ and, after more than a dozen phases, eventually forced their way over for a converted score.
The Accies finished the match firmly on the front foot, battering the Ballymoney line in search of another score. Both Simon Creane and veteran prop Mark Smyth were unlucky to be held up over the line during the closing stages.
A fine start to the season for the Accies. Kilraughts Road is never an easy place for visiting teams, and the coaching panel will be delighted to bring four league points back down the road.
A special mention also goes to debutants Sam Young and Noa Etua, who both produced excellent displays and showed they will have plenty to offer throughout the season.