Match Report

Omagh were relishing their first AIL game at home this season and with a large number in attendance they knew a home win was vital.

Again Omagh started well but failed to capitalise on numerous opportunities in the first ten minutes. As it was against Bruff, Omagh allowed Clonmel a ten point start before they got into their rhythm and imposed their gameplan on the visitors.

The first score came through some good scrummaging and some superb interplay before Mervyn Edgar barged over under the posts to leave the half time score 13-7 to Clonmel as it was converted by outhalf Stuart Ballantine.

 

In the second half Omagh played their best rugby of the season as they didn't let Clonmel out of their half for large periods.

Right from the restart Omagh pushed Clonmel back into their 22 and with second row Jamie Sproule in top form he picked a great line and crossed for Omagh’s second converted score of the day.

 

A few minutes later captain Ryan Mitchell left his wing to create the extra man and went in for try number three with ten minutes to go.

Omagh were now thinking of the bonus point try and with the clock winding down they were awarded a scrum on Clonmels ten metre line. After a solid platform was laid by the pack, number 8 Clyde fed scrum half McCain and the experienced number nine handed off his opposite number to gain some space. Now two on one with the visiting winger he drew the last defender and sent captain Mitchell into the corner sending the vocal home support into rapture as the referee blew the full time whistle soon after.

 

A good team performance which resulted in a 24-13 win for Omagh which should send this young Accies side down to Midleton with some confidence.

Omagh 1st XV (1-20)

S. Creane, P. Ewing, D. Braden, Ja. Sproule, M. Edgar, J. Duff, A. Longwell, M. Clyde, S. McCain, St. Ballantine, N. Brown, J. Kyle, D. Kane, R. Mitchell (c), S. Maclaine, J. Matthews, R. Braden, H. Matthews, M. Gibson & F. Lagan.