OPHIR STAY TOP
by Ron Bell
At the Cottonmount last Saturday it was back to Qualifying League action for Ophir Firsts after the previous week’s narrow defeat in the Gordon West Cup. Supported by Biffa and MCW Properties, Ophir hosted a visit from Belfast High School Former Pupils
The opening minutes of the confrontation went to Ophir, with a fine break by scrum half Karl Davis, offloading to winger Alan Davison who was bundled into touch close to the line. High School managed to clear the danger and drove up the pitch. Ophir were dominating the set scrums but in the loose the visitors were recycling the ball brilliantly. Inevitably, the Ophir defence was stretched beyond its limit and the High School right wing crashed through to score an unconverted try. Ophir took the setback well and launched a series of assaults on the High School defence. But for no apparent reason the Ophir pack continually transgressed by arriving into rucks from the side, and conceding a series of penalties all of them when close to the High School line. High School unfortunately lost their out half to a hamstring injury on the half hour. Ophir kept the pressure on but just when it seemed a breakthrough was likely the referee blew for half time. 5-0 to High School.
Ophir were no better at penetrating the High School defence in the early part of the second half. First class kicking by the High School out half kept Ophir pinned back in their own half. The benefit of retaining possession and eliminating turnovers was evident for Ophir when a tremendous driving maul allowed prop Christopher Phillips to break clear and touch down in the corner. Then full backDavid Walker, who had missed the difficult conversion, made amends with a fine penalty. 5 minutes later Phillips showed his strength again from close in and scored his second try. Back came High School and only a last ditch tackle stopped their left wing after a run which was littered with missed tackles. Then at last Ophir got their act together, and taking advantage of the extra man and a tiring High School, began to run in tries almost at will. Veteran number 8 Neil Gray dropped on the ball over the line after a big drive from a 5 metre scrum. Back row David Lucas took the ball at pace to touch down under the posts and Karl Davis got his just reward, scoring under the posts. This was never an easy match and Ophir were delighted to win 37 – 5.
