Improved Ophir run Newry close

Earlier in the season, the County Down team thrashed Ophir by more than 50 points in their home game and were undoubtedly looking to do the same at the Cottonmount. And in the early stages of the game, that looked a likely prospect.

Within 5 minutes of the kick off Newry's full back chalked up their first 3 points from a penalty on Ophir's 22. Then came the first try of the match - Newry spread the ball wide and their right winger touched down comfortably in the corner. With the conversion, Ophir trailed 10 - 0. A pattern began to emerge with Ophir clearly dominating the forward exchanges and Newry cutting loose with their back line. Ophir clawed their way up the pitch by hard fought retention of the ball and recycling and were rewarded with a penalty which centre Alan Davison slotted home neatly. Before half time, both teams came close to scoring but defences held out. Davison missed a second penalty opportunity but made amends, after a magnificent charge by prop Chris Phillips, by adding the three points for a penalty. At the break Ophir were just 4 points adrift.

But Ophir were stunned by a Newry try immediately after the restart, the outside centre cutting through every despairing tackle. Clearly, Ophir's tactics had to focus on their front 8 and that's exactly what they did. Increasing the pressure on the Newry pack, the home team drove the visitors back time and time again, both in the set scrums and in the loose. After a series of penalties against Newry for drifting offside, prop Matt Campbell was driven over the line. The conversion was missed but then more trouble for Ophir when a pass from number 8 Dave Lucas was intercepted by the Newry inside centre to score their fourth try and conversion. Once again Ophir battled their way back into contention and after scrum half Karl Davis and second row Neil Gray barged their way to 5 metres from the line, David Lucas added the final touch. Davison converted and again Ophir were just 4 points behind. But more despair for Ophir when again the Newry back line demonstrated their superior power and speed to break through for another converted try. Despite the setback, Ophir redoubled their magnificent effort in the pack and again took the ball to the Newry line. This time it was second row Johnny Murphy who was driven over for an uncoverted score in the left corner. The last 10 minutes of the match were completely dominated by the Ophir pack striving to get that last vital score which would give them the chance to lead. But it was to no avail. A try was disallowed as the referee judged that the ball was held up over the line. A forward pass and a turnover spoilt 2 more chances and then to the mighty relief of Newry, the game was over. The final score Ophir - 23, Newry 29.

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