Ophir fight back to take the points in Randalstown
OPHIR First XV made it three Qualifying League wins in a row on Saturday afternoon when they produced a late fightback to take the points at Randalstown.
The only score of a scrappy first half came after 25 minutes when Ophir flanker Ciaran McWilliams charged over to give the visitors a five nil lead.
Both sides improved in the second period, but it was Randalstown who took charge with two converted scores in a five minute spell of open, running rugby to lead 14 - 5.
With 20 minutes left the home side looked like they were going to seal the victory with a third try. However, just when it seemed certain that the Randalstown winger was going over for a score in the corner, a despairing tackle from out-half Ron Bell gave Ophir a lifeline.
The Mallusk side, now reduced to 14 men following an injury to captain Will Lucas, lifted their game and proceeded to put Randalstown under a period of intense pressure.
Some fantastic work by the Ophir pack saw them drive to within a few yards of the line, and from a resulting infringement a quick tap penalty saw the impressive McWilliams barge his way over for his second score of the game.
Still 14 - 10 behind and with time running out, Ophir continued their relentless attack and were rewarded with a third try when number eight Dave Lucas crossed the line.
At only 15 - 14 ahead it looked as though Ophir would be in for a nailbiting final few minutes, but scrum-half Karl Davies sealed the win when he broke clear from 30 yards to touch down near the posts. This time out-half Bell was on target with the conversion to leave the final score Randalstown 14, Ophir 22.
This Saturday Ophir Firsts will take on Donegal in another Qualifying League Three fixture at the Cottonmount.
Meanwhile, Ophir Second XV travelled to Cookstown for a Minor League game on Saturday afternoon where they slumped to a 29 - 3 defeat against an experienced side that played in Qualifying League Four last season. The visitors’ only score of the game came via a penalty from David O’Reilly.
Seconds captain Robert Press will be hoping his side can produce an improved display this weekend when they take on University of Ulster, Coleraine at The Cottonmount.
Also, there were mixed fortunes for Ophir’s youth sides in the Conference League on Saturday. Both sides made the long journey to Virginia in Co Cavan where Under 18’s were beaten convincingly but the Under 16’s produced a great display to take the win.
Both sides are due back in action against Cooke this Saturday at the Valley Leisure Centre.
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Weather for Newtownabbey
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
