Ballymoney 2XV made the journey to Melon Park Drive on Saturday to face Omagh 2XV in their third league game of the season. The toon men were looking to build on last week’s win against Dromore.

From the kick off both teams looked quite evenly matched in open play, with Ballymoney showing visible dominance in the scrums.
Despite Omagh conceding four consecutive penalties in their own 22, they managed to escape with 15 men and proceeded to score a converted try. Soon after Ballymoney came through to score a try of their own, with the quick thinking of Curtis Montgomery taking the kick tap penalty and diving over the line. With the wind picking up knocking the ball off the kicking tee, Stephen McCamphill quickly slotted through a drop goal.

Despite both teams creating chances, Ballymoney came under increased pressure when Matthew Steel was sin binned for a dangerous tackle. Having most of the possession in the first half, Omagh managed to execute two of their opportunities giving them a 21-7 lead at half team.

There was very little to separate the two teams in the second half, Ballymoney looked dangerous in attack but struggled with execution. Curtis Montgomery was dealt Ballymoney’s second yellow card for a high tackle. The toon brought on fresh legs in George McAuley and Harry Orr who didn’t hesitate to get stuck in. With less than ten minutes left, Omagh were penalised for ill-discipline 10 metres out from their line. Captain Jason Clyde replicated his try from last week with his tap and go, barrelling through the Omagh defensive line. Unfortunately, the conversion rattled the bar and Ballymoney were denied the 2 extra points, 21-12 the score.

By now the Toon men had their tails up and were in search of another try, however the unfavourable weather caused some handling errors and the ref blew full time.

Next up for the 2XV is home to Dungannon on 28th.
Match report credit: Daniel McCord