First XV beat Midleton

Saturday 4^th November 2023

Omagh Accies 1XV - 22

Midleton 1XV - 21

Omagh Accies 1^st XV returned to the Thomas Mellon Playing Fields on Saturday as they entertained Midleton RFC 1^st XV in the All Ireland League. Omagh knew a much needed win would be the perfect tribute to former club captain and president Ian Duncan who passed away last week.

Ian was a loyal supporter of the Accies and was part of the memorable tour to British Columbia in 1979. He will be missed by his many friends at the Accies and especially in his beloved Drumquin. We extend our sympathies to his widow, Sadie, to our Chairman, Allan, and to the wider Duncan and Brown families.

In a dull first half, Omagh played up the hill and struggled to force their gameplan on the visitors as the score read 3-7 to Midleton at the break – Scott Elliott’s penalty was the only score for Omagh in the first half with Midleton getting a converted try.

At half time the coaches and leadership group tried to rally the troops but this seemed to have the opposite effect as Midleton scored the first points of the second half through a converted try out wide. Omagh responded through a converted Robbie Sproule try after some good possession and patience and the score was now Omagh 10 Midleton 14.

With 10 minutes to go the visitors extended their lead, and looked to have secured the win, as they scored their third converted try of the day after a well worked back move to go into a 10-21 lead.

Omagh knew it was now or never as they continued to attack and responded through a try from captain Mitchell after multiple phases. Elliott’s conversion went in off the post and Omagh had hope going into the last 5 minutes at 17-21.

The Accies were under pressure from the kick off and won a scrum 10 metres from their own line. The large home support assumed the tactic would be to kick long for territory and hope to secure a turnover but number eight Neville picked and drew the opposition winger to send young Ben Henry into some space. Ben, who is in his debut season in senior rugby, used his pace and sidestep to somehow score from nearly 90 metres and send the vocal home support into raptures as they led for the first time in the game at 22-21 with 3 minutes left to go. We have an early contender for try of the season!

Omagh again received the kick off and were under pressure from the visitors but they saw out the remainder of the game to secure the all important 4 points. A stressful but successful day where the highlight was definitely the individual try from Ben Henry but praise must be given to the whole 1^st XV squad who never gave up and got their just rewards.

Next up is an away trip to Clonmel this week before OARFC 1XV return to the Thomas Mellon to take on Bruff RFC on Saturday 18^th November. Anyone wishing to book their seat for a prematch meal should contact Club President Sid Duff via email at duffside39@gmail.com.

OARFC 1XV (1-20)

1. Braden, P. Ewing, S. Creane, Ja. Sproule, R. Sproule, A. Longwell, S. Wilson, N. Magee, A. Colhoun, C. W-Spencer, R. Mitchell (c) J. Kyle, Sc. Ballantine, B. Henry, S. Elliott, M. H-Brown, G. McKinley, M. Edgar, M. Gibson & St. Ballantine.