Omagh thirds played their last scheduled match on Saturday running away clear winners against a spirited Portadown 3’s side. With three players getting a brace of tries each in the backs; it was the tale of the game as the big Portadown side chased Omagh’s faster and fitter backs for most of the game. Playing up the hill first half Omagh kicked off and a tackle by Captain Peter Todd forced the receiver into touch, quick thinking saw a throw in to Andrew Caterson and as the Portadown side didn’t react Dean Barr and Neill Mellon linked up well for an easy try which gave the Omagh side alot of confidence. Omagh then pressed again, quick rucks followed by great runs from Scott Elliott and Dean Barr kept the visiting side honest before Keith Givens evaded two tacklers for his first of two tries. Omagh then gifted possession to Portadown at the next kick off, under pressure Omagh lost territory as they struggled to handle Portadown’s runners forced Omagh to their own five meter line where out of nowhere James ‘Sheepy’ Irwin intercepted a Portadown pass for a 95 meter run in to put Omagh 21-0 up. Clearly rattled Portadown turned on the referee, giving penalty after penalty to the home side, a lineout drive from the Omagh pack, getting parity with the big visiting side, sucked in defenders allowing Scott Elliott a one on one with his opposite number which he completed to leave an easy conversion for Neill Mellon. Omagh 28 nil up where not done. Just before the half a stolen lineout by Harpur, having the game of his season, released an easy pass to Keith Givens who attracted defenders and slipped a pass to Simon Monteith who finished in the corner to leave the score 33-0 at the half. Omagh came together at half time and had one clear goal, keep doing what they were doing, however Omagh’s bane all season came to hurt them, set piece kick off mistakes gifted possession to Portadown, the big Portadown pack kept the ball tight, and despite their second row diving at the five meter line thinking he scored a try they did recycle ball and score in the corner. Again Omagh gifted possession away at kick off and Portadown surged forward sensing a comeback, scoring two quick tries the score stood at 33-19 with twenty minutes to go. Omagh’s backs then got the ball for the first time in the half after some excellent work at the breakdown by Harpur and Mellon. Scott Elliot jinked and weaved his way past defenders before going under the posts and the wind was taken out of Portadown. Neill Mellon scored from a set piece move and Keith Givens registered another try from a quick tap penalty to complete the rout. Omagh’s backs were definitely the difference in the game, going forward they were able to exploit gaps with ease and while Omagh’s usually dominant pack were disrupted well by Portadown they still provided good ball for their extremely potent backline. Paul Mellon had another strong game, Keith Givens ran well with the ball in hand but the stand out performance was from Richard Harpur, the big number eight was a tower in the lineout and impressive in defence. Omagh 3’s have now secured their position in Junior Section 3 rugby for next season. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all players, supporters and our sponsors for their help this season.
