2’S Narrow Loss
11 March 2023
2ndxv Finish on High
1 April 2023Omagh Academicals 1st XV - 27
Midleton 1st XV – 17
Omagh Accies 1XV welcomed old rivals Midleton RFC to the Thomas Mellon Playing Fields on Saturday knowing only a win would suffice as they look to secure their senior status for another season. With a large crowd in attendance as well as the spring sunshine, optimism was high when the game kicked off but Omagh started slowly to trail 0-6 when the Midleton kicker slotted two penalties.
Playing against the breeze and up the hill Omagh struggled to execute a few chances in the first half and when the visitors dotted down to send themselves into a 0-11 half time lead it was all to do for the Accies.
The break seemed to come at the right time for Omagh as when they returned for the second half they looked a different team which was spurred on by the vocal and large home support. The returning Ali Beckett looked sharp and when he received the ball in the wide channel their was only going to be one winner as he touched down for Omagh’s first points of the day.
In the 20 minute spell after half time Omagh played some of their best rugby of the season as they held onto the ball for long periods and spread it wide when required. Joe Duff was to get the games next try as the forwards took the game by the scruff of the neck and when Ballantine converted Omagh went into a 12-11 lead which they would not surrender for the rest of the game.
Hooker Hopton-Brown was the next to dot down and give Omagh some breathing space but Midleton weren’t for lying down as they converted a penalty to stay in touch at 17-14.
The all important bonus point try was on the cards for Omagh when they once again reached Midleton’s line and thankfully Jamie Matthews powered over to send the home support wild and Omagh into a 24-14 lead after Ballantine’s conversion.
Midleton to their credit worked their way back up the pitch and kicked another penalty which looked like securing them a crucial losing bonus point. Second row Magee was sent to the bin for Omagh and they had to play the remainder of the game at a numerical disadvantage but they showed plenty of heart as they went on to kick a penalty of their own to deny Midleton any points.
Unfortunately winger Browne was then shown a yellow card late on for a deliberate knock on and the nerves were palpable around Coneywarren. Thankfully Omagh secured a massive turnover and substitute scrum half Fintan Lagan kicked the ball to touch which was greeted by a massive roar at the final whistle. Final score – Omagh 27 Midleton 17.
Credit must go to everyone in attendance on Saturday and the hard work put in by the 1XV and their coaches as they had to go through many challenges on Saturday with injuries in the warm up, trailing at half time and yellow card periods but they stuck to their task and brought home the 5 points whilst crucially denying the visitors anything.
With Omagh now seven points from bottom and six points from 6th, things are all to play for heading into the final two AIL fixtures:
• Clonmel – away – 1st April
• Bruff – home – 15th April
All support for these final two fixtures will be greatly appreciated by all at OARFC as they look to secure their All Ireland status for another season.
Also on Saturday, Omagh launched their joint Pig Run & Family Fun Day which they will run on Saturday 20th May alongside Enniskillen RFC and Strabane RFC. With the chance to win a car or a trip to the Rugby World Cup, tickets will be in high demand so secure yours by contacting a club member. Their will be a bumper day of action at the Thomas Mellon Playing Fields with a Festival of Rugby, Pig Run and Family Fun Day event so make sure to be in attendance for a momentous day in all three rugby clubs history.
Omagh Accies 1XV (1-20)
D. Braden, M. H-Brown, R. Braden, M. Edgar, N. Magee, J. Duff, A. Longwell, M. Clyde, S. McCain, St. Ballantine, R. Mitchell (c), J. Kyle, D. Kane, N. Browne, A. Beckett, J. Matthews, G. McKinley, Jo. Sproule, F. Lagan & S. Maclaine.