OARFC 1XV v ‘Quins 1XV

Omagh Academicals 1^st XV - 21

Belfast Harlequins 1^st XV – 17

On a bitterly cold and foggy Thursday night, Omagh Accies 1^st XV welcomed Belfast Harlequins 1^st XV in a rearranged Ulster League game which was played under floodlights. In dry conditions Omagh started brightly with the ball but could not convert their possession and pressure into points and the visitors started to get a hold on the game.

Having played second fiddle for the opening stages ‘Quins started to go through their phases and looked dangerous with ball in hand which resulted in a line break in midfield. Their pacy back made it to Omagh’s full back Dean Kane and when he kicked over the last defender a certain try looked on the cards. Kane illegally tackled the Harlequins chaser which gave the referee no option but to award a penalty try and send Kane for a cold 10 minute rest in the sin bin.

For the next 10 minutes Omagh managed the game well but did concede another try before Kane's reintroduction and they now trailed 0-12 with half time on the horizon. Thankfully for the freezing home support hope was afforded to them as ever present number eight Matthew Clyde went over for the hosts first try and Josh Kyle added an excellent conversion to leave the score at the break Omagh 7 Harlequins 12.

Beginning the second half like they had the first Omagh’s scrum and lineout were providing quality front foot ball but some questionable decision making stalled momentum on numerous occasions when a score looked on the cards. Thankfully Omagh did turn their pressure into scoreboard ascendancy as captain Ryan Mitchell went in at the corner flag and centre Josh Kyle added another excellent conversion to send them into a 14-12 lead.

The next score of the game was crucial and the visitors got it to go into a 14-17 lead with 15 minutes to go.

Omagh went about their business in a mature manner for the rest of the game as coach Glenn Kyle emptied his bench and the Accies went on the search for their first Ulster Premiership Division 2 win of the season. With the scrum in fine form it laid the platform for several infringements from the visitors and eventually Mark Hopton-Brown went over for the game clinching score. Again Josh Kyle added a difficult conversion and Omagh were now leading 21-17 with only a few minutes remaining.

Harlequins restarted the game but Omagh collected well, managed possession and the clock brilliantly and when the ball was kicked to touch the referee blew the final whistle as the Accies supporters headed for some heat with four points in tow.

A satisfying evening’s work for Omagh who now have a rest weekend before the All Ireland League resumes with a massive home clash with Bangor on 26^th November. If anyone is interested in attending the very popular prematch meal they should contact President Kevin Murnaghan on 07775811851 or Chairman Allan Duncan on 07900608641.

Remaining 2022 1^st XV fixtures:

• 11.22 – Bangor – Home – AIL
• 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, E. McKeown, M. Edgar, C. Hawkes, J. Rainey, H. Matthews, M. Clyde, F. Lagan, S. McCain, R. Mitchell (c), A. Allen, J. Kyle, N. Browne, D. Kane, G. McKinley, S. Creane, J. Blair, L. Kerrigan & J. Hawkes.