Enniskillen’s woes at the hands of their neighbours continued after having lost both encounters last season, they fell to their first league defeat since the opening day of this.
The game was played in very heavy conditions which did little to inspire both sides’ running games, as the action was largely confined to the forwards with only brief glimpses from the backs.
After a fairly even opening Omagh’s bigger pack started to exert pressure on ‘Skins, particularly through the scrummage and the territorial advantage definitely swung in the home side’s favour. Only some great defensive work by ‘Skins kept the hosts at bay with the backrow foraging well at the breakdown and creating vital penalties at crucial times to ease the pressure.
Late in the half ‘Skins did have a sterling opportunity to open the account but James McIntyre’s kick sailed wide and the half ended scoreless.
The tempo of the game didn’t change in the second half with Omagh continuing to dominate up front and they took the lead from a penalty five minutes in.
‘Skins worked hard to keep Omagh from increasing their advantage and almost drew level after eighteen minutes, but Clive Donaldson watched a rather scruffy looking penalty strike the upright.
Three minutes later and Omagh increased their lead. Again the forwards worked the ball deep into ‘Skins “22” and after half a dozen phases released the ball to a back line that faced a solitary defender and a scrambling line and the winger fell over the line to score a try that was converted to push the score to 10 – 0.
‘Skins plugged away gamefully but could not create any significant opportunities and it came as no surprise when Omagh scored again after thirty-three minutes, with a converted try in the corner.
The second half was dominated totally by Omagh and to rub salt into the wound they added another penalty with time running out to complete the scoring.
With this defeat, ‘Skins lost their place at the top of the table but remain very much in contention having played a game less than the current leaders. Carrick visit Mullaghmeen on Saturday and with two away games to follow it becomes vital not to lose any further momentum.
As the game against Carrick will be the last home 1st XV fixture before Christmas a big turnout is expected for the pre-match lunch and all members are requested to confirm their attendance with President, Reggie Ferguson or Secretary, Andy Smallwoods.
Fixtures
1st XV – Home v Carrick
3rd XV – Away – Armagh IV
U-19 – Home – Rainey
Youth – Away – Letterkenny
Ladies – Away – Cill Dara – Sunday 27th
