Ophir sides continue winning run
OPHIR First XV only just took the points in their opening Gordon West Cup group game on Saturday when they scored a late try to win 10-9 at Armoy.
The home side went six nil ahead with two early penalties, but Ophir hit back soon after when scrumhalf Karl Davies crossed for a try.
There was very little opportunity for open, running rugby due to the windy conditions, and the afternoon soon became a forward-dominated battle.
That suited the home side, who went further ahead with 10 minutes remaining thanks to another penalty in front of the posts.
However, a great positional kick from outhalf Ron Bell in the dying seconds saw Ophir move to within a few yards of the Armoy line. At the resulting lineout, number eight Dave Lucas stole the ball and a powerful drive from the pack resulted in hooker Mark McLaughlin scoring in the corner to steal the points for the Mallusk side.
Ophir captain Will Lucas will be looking for a more convincing performance from his side this Saturday when they take on University of Ulster, Coleraine at the Valley Leisure Centre in another cup tie.
Meanwhile, Ophir Second XV's good run of form continued on Saturday when they produced a superb display to take the league points in Coleraine.
Tries from Colin McCann (2), Paul McGreevey and David O'Reilly and a conversion from Ivan Smith gave Ophir a 22-7 win over Coleraine V's.
This weekend the Second XV will again travel north when they take on Ballymoney Fourths in another Minor League game.
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Weather for Newtownabbey
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy rain
Temperature: 3 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 5 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
