Omagh IV XV 12 v 7 Malone IV XV
Omagh 4s hosted Malone 4s this Saturday at the Thomas Mellon Playing fields. Omagh’s pitches had suffered badly from the heavy rain during the week and condition underfoot could only be described as terrible.
Malone started strong, with a massive pack and playing downhill with the wind in the first period, quickly assumed territorial dominance. However they failed to take any points with this early pressure. Mark Neills men weathered the early pressure and gradually started to exert their own pressure. They kept the ball tight punching it upfield in small busts before releasing the backs, who in turn looked useful. Accurate kicking from captain Neill and the returning, deceitfully nimble Ross Moore, forced the visitors into their own 22. Omagh forwards capitalised on their territorial advantage from the lineout, worked a few phases together which allowed Moore the space to dance through to score between the posts. Scott converted to make the score 7-0.
The remainder of the half was closely fought. Omagh played the smarter rugby, keeping it close and tight due to the poor conditions. Malone kicked deep to Omaghs Ian Scott at fullback, who was more than capable with the support of the powerful Malcolm Hill and athletic Benny McDevit on the wings. The first half finished 7-0.
The Co. Tyrone men started the second period on the ascendancy and secured turnover ball in midfield, strong runs from youngster Johny McRory who’s growing in confidence every week. John Loughlin, Aaron Short and Johny Taylor where tremendous in defence, along with both centres Kyle Porter and Sam Brown who looked comfortable in his new position.
However, Malone did make the most from a poor Omagh clearance, which was quickly counter attacked to score under the posts, the conversion was successful. This left the score 7-7 with 15minutes to play. Omagh made two replacements, bringing on the infamous Raymond Crosbie for injured Gareth Short and Youngster Shane McLoughlin. Omagh showed great strength and determination to force their way down the narrow side, 1 yard at a time. Malone where penalised for hands in the ruck, Crosbie picked up from No.8 and was unusually stopped short, Omagh forwards recycled well to put Leo lyons on the score board. The final score 12-7. Omagh now progress to the Quarter finals of the McCambley Cup, to be played on the 18th Feb 2012.
Team: (1-15 + subs)
1. Johny McCrory, 2. Andrew Burnside, 3. Leo Lyons 4. Sam Know, 5. Johny Taylor, 6.Aaron Short, 7.John Loughlin 8. Gareth Shortt, 9. Mark Neill © 10. Ross Moore, 11. Benny McDevit, 12. Kyle Porter, 13. Sam Brown, 14. Malcolm Hill, 15. Ian Scott 16. Shane McLoughlin 17. Raymond Crosbie
