It has been some considerable time since Randalstown came up against an Omagh XV and on this occasion they unfortunately came up short. Despite having plenty of possession and pressure the home side were punished for failing to secure ball, too often running blind alleys and getting turned over.
‘Town missed an early penalty before Omagh opened the scoring with 24 minutes played. From a scrum on halfway their number 8 broke and ran almost unchallenged into the Town 10 metres. Ball was quickly recycled and whipped out the back before they crashed over on the left wing.
Just before half time the deficit was reduced as O’Kane converted a penalty opportunity quickly followed by a second long range effort after good work from Hurrell and David Millar to nudge ‘Town into a marginal 6 -5 half time lead.
After the turn around Omagh eventually nudged back into the lead with a penalty following a good period of pressure. Minutes later another powerful break from a scrum by the Omagh number 8 led to a debatable penalty call. The visitors took their chance however and increased the lead to 11 – 6.
The visitors had yet another penalty opportunity which went unconverted before Randalstown put together a period of pressure on them. Right at the death ‘Town thought they had scored in the corner only to be pulled back by the touch judge’s call of a foot in touch resulting in a somewhat controversial end to the match.
The 1sts have a rest next week which will give them a much needed chance to regroup. The 2nd XV are back in action at home against Ards 3rds while the 3rd XV travel to Grosvenor 4ths.
