LEAGUE CHAMPIONS SCRAPE ANOTHER VICTORY

But the reality was very different. Instead of a glorious sweeping aside of the opposition from Virginia, and the continuation of their unbeaten League campaign, Ophir struggled to find any form whatsoever and in the end were very lucky to salvage a win in the dying seconds of the match.

Nothing went well for Ophir, supported by MCW Properties and Biffa, from the moment the ball was kicked off. Despite dominating the set scrums, the line play was poor and possession lost all too easily. Full back, David Walker was a little unlucky to miss an early penalty opportunity and Virginia easily snuffed out the Ophir offensive play. Both sides failed to take the initiative or display any spark of creativity. And then in the 20th minute, Ophir’s tight head prop John-Joe Flood had to leave the field with a serious injury to his wrist. The subsequent uncontested scrums left Ophir without their sole area of superiority on the pitch and it showed when instead of keeping the ball in hand and using the strength of the Ophir pack, a daft chip ahead was booted back down the field and the Virginia out half won the race for the touchdown. Then more trouble for Ophir when lock David Lucas was yellow carded for getting in the way of the Virginia winger chasing a loose ball. The visitors took full benefit of the 2 man advantage and slotted home a penalty to lead 8 – 0 at half time.

10 minutes into a dour second half, at last a ray of light shone for Ophir. David Lucas returned to the action and the Virginia prop was sin binned. With 14 men a side Ophir worked their way up the pitch and were awarded a 5 metre scrum. Scrum half Karl Davis swiftly got the ball to his brother Anthony on a charge and nothing could stop him touching down close to the posts. David Walker made no mistake with the conversion and Ophir were just one point in arrears. In the next 10 minutes both sides hit successful penalties, David Walker’s putting him on 201 points for the season. Then came apparent disaster for Ophir – another prop and Dave Lucas both had to retire injured. On their own line with only 12 fit men and the referee calling the last play of the match, Ophir at last showed the team spirit and commitment that had carried them undefeated through the League in the last 7 months. Grafting their way upfield they were awarded a penalty 35 metres out and with the spectators holding their breath David Walker achieved a personal 204 points for the season with the very last kick of the game. Ophir 13 - Virginia 11.

On the adjacent pitch, Ophir Seconds were narrowly beaten 7 – 5 by Randalstown but proud Captain John Condell was delighted to have scored Ophir’s solitary try.