Omagh 1XV v Bangor 1XV

Omagh 1^st XV - 13

Bangor 1^st XV – 14

Omagh 1^st XV entertained their old rivals Bangor on Saturday in an AIL Ulster Derby as the Thomas Mellon Playing Fields. In cold conditions Omagh soon heated up the large crowd as captain Ryan Mitchell went in for the game’s first try which went unconverted. Despite playing down the hill Omagh struggled to find their rhythm at points and trailed 5-7 at the break.

Turning round to play up the hill and into the elements Omagh knew it would take a momumental effort to take the bragging rights but went about their business with composure and skill and when Deane Kane finished off a fine team try they were back into the lead at 10-7.

Having taken the restart and worked their way into Bangor’s half Omagh were awarded a penalty and Josh Kyle stepped up to convert a great kick and extend their lead to 13-7.

Knowing the 6 point advantage was not enough to win the game Bangor came out of their shells and began to use their bigger pack to good effect as they got the advantage in the scrum and Omagh couldn’t exit their half.

Now basically camped in their 22 Omagh defended impressively for long spells but the pressure finally told as the referee signalled for a penalty try with three minutes to go. Josh Kyle was also shown a yellow card for infringing and now Omagh trailed with a mountain to climb and the clock against them.

The remainder of the game had very little action as Bangor kept Omagh in their half and eventually a mistake led the referee to blow the final whistle with the score Omagh 13 Bangor 14.

Another missed opportunity for Omagh but they fronted up against a far larger side showing they are more than capable of competing at this level. They need to find a way to squeeze results from these tight games if they are to cement their mid table position or even push for a top four place. The remaining AIL games in 2022 will be crucial in setting them up for the rest of the season and they would ask for as much support as possible to come out and push them on for the rest of the year.

Next up is a trip to Ballina this week in another must win for Omagh before they entertain league leaders Instonians on the 10^th December. If anyone is interested in attending the very popular prematch meal for the Instonians game they should contact President Kevin Murnaghan on 07775811851 or Chairman Allan Duncan on 07900608641.

Remaining 2022 1^st XV fixtures:

• 12.22 – Ballina – Away – AIL
• 12.22 – Instonians – Home – AIL
• 12.22 – Bangor – Home – Ulster League

Omagh Accies 1XV (1-20)

D. Braden, M. H-Brown, S. Creane, Jo. Sproule, R. Sproule, J. Duff, A. Longwell, M. Clyde, F. Lagan, S. McCain, R. Mitchell (c), J. Kyle, D. Kane, N. Browne, S. Maclaine, G. McKinley, E. McKeown, J. Matthews, J. Rainey & A. Allen.