Ophir VS Academy

Ophir Vs Academy
Breaking the mould

On Saturday 26th of August, the Ophir lads travelled just 2 minutes down the road to continue a local rivalry with Academy. There hasn't been a league fixture for years between the sides, but this friendly was just as intense as a cup final.

Ophir 1st, fielded their first full side for this season. There was a few debuts after Alex Perry debuted against Civil Service on the previous match. Mark Broadhurst and Chris Burrows are two new signs to Ophir along with Jack Reid - who has stepped up from the U18's to make his senior debut.

Ophir started the match on the front foot wth Andrew Rushton, making his 1st appearance of the season and perfectly placing his kick for James Milligan and Jonny McKinney, who both challenge for the ball. Ophir then quickly won a penalty which was driven down the right for a lineout inside Academy's 22m. With the lineout being a work in progress, possession was quickly turned over. Ophir still controlling territory while every lad in an Ophir Jersey fronts up with some good pressure and great defence.

Returning after a long holiday lay off Ricky Press also made his 1st appearance of the season, playing centre along with Mark Broadhurst. The pair combining together to keep Academy coming through the middle. Academy however, did get a break out wide and despite James Milligan's best attempt to stop the offload with a fine tackle, Academy went over the line to score the 1st of many in the first half.

The rest of the half was quite one sided, as small mistakes crept into the side creating space for Academy to cross the line a few more times. James Milligan seen yellow for a reckless challenge in the air (apparently).

The Ophir boys kept their heads up and stuck to the game plan. Josh Collins playing 8, made a great hand off followed up with an offload to last years player of the year, Alan Davison, who was everywhere as usual throughout the game. Alan drove towards the try line but just couldn't make it as Mark Broadhurst in support quickly got on the scoresheet for his 1st try in an Ophir shirt !!!

SECOND HALF

Half time score - Who cares?

2nd half started just as bright as the 1st with Andrew Rushton continuing his great kick offs for the pack to chase. Ophir refocused at halftime and increased the intensity winning more turnovers, scrums, and more aggression in the loose as each player stood up to be counted.

As Ophir continue to develop their defence, Academy manages a few tries. However the boys made Academy work harder for their points, with a notable mention for Jamie Mawhinney for his defensive efforts. Nigel Murray also saw a yellow with a high tackle which was 50/50 at 1st, but then hit him with his beard.

James Milligan playing full back, was very influential in attack and it paid off with a try near the posts after some great work from the forwards to create the platform for James to crash through.

Chris Burrows made another big impact from the bench after Bobby Press "forgot his kit" giving us another option at the lineout and another big hitter in defence. Unfortunately his debut didn't last long as he suffered a dislocated thumb during a lineout and was substituted at the 60 minute mark.

The last 20 minutes saw tempers flair with a few occasions of fisty cuffs breaking out and some questionable calls from the ref, leaving Ophir frustrated as they looked for another score. Now, a last minute break from Chris Phillips, spotting a gap and opening up the Academy defence as he tries to dummy right but instead has to pass to Alan Davison who then took a well placed offload to plant Ophir in the opponents 22. The rest of the forwards continued the momentum with Alex Perry and Brian Harper crashing the line. Eventually the ball went wide through the backline and James Milligan again finished off the try in style.

This week, the score line or possession and territory owned, simply didn't matter. This really was a fantastic performance from the Ophir boys with great team work and team moral - which reflected in beer:juice ratio later at the bar.

Onwards and upwards.

Final Score, Academy 47 - 17 Ophir