THERE was to be no gentle introduction to the new season for Scarva Rangers Reserves.

Omagh United Reserves were making their first ever appearance in the Mid-Ulster league but the impressive newcomers ensured Scarva were the ones feeling the start to the new season was like a baptism of fire.

Long before the season started the smart money was on the Tyrone side romping to the Reserve Division Three title and the quality of their performance at Scarva Park on Saturday did nothing to dispel the notion.

To their credit Scarva worked hard in the opening 45 minutes to make life as difficult as possible for the visitors, who took a first half lead with a fine header from an in swinging free kick on the home side's left flank.

The village's reserve side were not about to throw in the towel and scored with a superbly executed set piece of their own.

Gary Dodds swung the ball into the heart of the Omagh penalty area and player manager Mo Brown clinically guided his header beyond the despairing dive of the visitors' keeper.

Omagh's response was to lay fresh siege to the Scarva goal and by half time they were 3-1 ahead.

They scored another three goals in a second half they completely dominated, including a penalty and a breathtaking free kick.

They would have added to the margin of victory if it had not been for a spectacular save from James Clarke and the final scoreline shouldn't mask a fine performance from the Scarva goalkeeper.

The home side should take heart from their attitude and commitment against a superior side, with Derek Patton, Mo Brown, Johnnie Douglas and Ernie Hammond all worthy of particular mention.