OPHIR SHARE THE POINTS

The size and strength of the Civil Service back row and centres took Ophir by surprise and the visitors crashed their way through tackles at will. It was inevitable that gaps would be created with 2 and sometimes 3 Ophir men needed to stop the attacks. A penalty kick to touch in the 15th minute put Service on the Ophir line and taking possession cleanly from the line out, their scrum half dived through to score. With the conversion, Service led 12 – 0. Ophir gradually hauled themselves back into the game, realising the best way to stop the opposition was to retain the ball as much as possible. And after recycling possession seven times and inching ever closer to the try line, Ophir centre Cillian Rooney managed to touch down mid way between the posts and the corner flag. David Walker’s conversion heartened the home side and another penalty from him in the 25th minute put Ophir just 2 points in arrears. But Civil Service replied with 2 more successful penalties before half time and led 18 points to 10 at the break.

Ophir, supported by MCW Properties, started well in the second half, and David Walker successfully kicked another difficult penalty to narrow the gap to 5 points. But again the Civil Service backs cut loose and with brilliant support play, scored an unconverted try on the right touchline. The ball handling on both sides was impressive but turnovers became a major feature of the game and frequent promising attacks broke down. For the spectators, though, it was good to watch and for the home support, even better when Walker kicked his third successful penalty. Ophir confidence was building and brilliantly led, as ever, by scrum half Karl Davis, took the game by the scruff of the neck and assaulted the Civil Service defence. A breakthrough was inevitable and it came with a magnificent try from winger Ryan Largey; a typically fast dodging run to the line. The Ophir crowd held its breath for the difficult conversion attempt but David Walker was in superb form and the ball sailed over the bar to equal the score. Ophir nearly snatched victory when James Milligan was held up inches from the line but the final result 23 – 23, was a fair reflection of a great game from both teams.

Next week Ophir Firsts host Armoy in a Cup match, whilst the Seconds are away to Ballyclare Fourths.