Chris Phillips, missing the last few weeks came back to organise the side. The Ophir Captain, Ciaran Dwyer was optimistic about the game.
Going onto the pitch already carrying an injury, last years captain and influential back row player Christopher “Jesus” Madden was welcomed back and was ready to play.
Kick off came after an intense warm up and the ball was taken in but first game nerves soon kicked in and eventually the ball was knocked on. Scrum time and a big pack failed to gel for the first hit but the second attempt was alot better. Ophir spent the majority of the first half defending with brilliant tackles from Chris Madden, Captain Ciaran Dwyer and debut centre Jai. A few glimmers of brilliance came from Jai as he ran a superb line but got brought down and the ball turnedover. A few chances to score with Chris Madden held up short of the line and Ciaran with white line fever lost the ball in the tackle whith an overlap try at our mercy.
Half time 0-0
Ophir continued their great defence in the second half this time with the forwards getting in on the action with Conor Bond and Sean O’Hare among others making good tackles. Unfortunately with the intensity the game was played at the Ophir boys started to tire with 15 mins to go and let in 3 easy tries.
The Ophir lads wore their heart on their sleeves and represented the club well and look forward to Saturday morning when Instonians are the visitors at The Valley pitch.
Man of the match was debut centre Jai. Well done!
