Ophir vs Academy 2nd XV

Ophir vs Academy 2’s

On Saturday 25th August, the Ophir men took to the field at Magowan Park for the first time this season. Preseason has been up and down for the lads, as they have fought against having low numbers at training , training in a different location and a few injuries picked up at Ophir 7’s.

This match has come to be a pre season regular as both sides ready to test how far they have come over the close season. Last year it was Academy who looked the better side, although the Ophir men had vastly improved since.

Ophir has recruited some new talent over the close season, but with a number of them unavailable meaning they will have to wait for their Ophir debuts. James Keenan (Tight head Prop) moved from Belfast Met and Garnett Kidney (Flanker) has moved from Clougher Valley. Ronan Sands (Backline Utility) moves back from his recent loan spell at Carrick

Coach Ricky Press wanting cool, calm, aggression and that’s we he got from the first whistle as Ronan kicks off and the hungry pack of forwards charge against academy! Early markers were set by the back row of Nigel Murray, Debutant Garnett Kidney and a positional change for Duwein Quiolele. They made big tackles and turned over a lot of ball (including a magic trick from Garnett, stealing the ball from the back of a ruck).

Front Row Union of Matt Campbell, Ricky Press and this seasons captain Chris Phillips, did their best to hold the line against the impressive force of Academy’s scrum. Matt Campbell impressive in the breakdown and carried well when called upon. Ricky Press enjoyed facing his old club with a few well timed tackles and keeping the boys in check. Chris Phillips picked up where he left off with a brace of tries from his trade mark 5 metres out.

Jonny Gray and Bobby Press were the engine room to the pack and a lot of the time unsung heroes with big carries and great defence around the fringes of the ruck. Jonny was a big part of a successful lineout throughout the game with his strength and height unmatched.

Another positional change for the season as Josh Collins moving from Utility Forward to Utility Back, he is starting to make a name for himself as a TOOL (bad joke, but it was coming). Josh had a massive game at 9 controlling the game and had a few snipes himself that reminds me of a younger Karl Davis....

The backline was hit by lack of availability but no one looked out of place and everyone played out of their skin. Ronan Sands in particular who was playing his 1st senior game after his loan spell at Carrick had ended, had a lot on his plate after being handed the 10 shirt. Ronan took the chance by the scruff and did well with ball in hand.

Our centres were Michael Doyle and Reece Kennedy whose partnership reminds me of Ren and Stimpy. No matter who they looked like, they put in a solid shift against a fast flowing academy backline. Stevie McCalmont and John Doyle (Better Doyle) were on the wings, Stevie was due to play centre but got injured during the warm up but still played on! Both wings did not let anyone down with carries and supporting Mark Broadhurst in playing a Full back. Mark again had a good attacking game along with nailing his signature rock bottom on an on rushing prop.

Mark Keenan who had a good game off the bench giving great cover for the front row and did not look out of place. Good game James

Dee O’Reilly made an appearance for the mighty Ophir men stepping into the backline that really appreciated his experience in both attack and defence. Welcome back Dee.

Final Score Ophir 22-22 Academy 2’s

MotM - Nigel Murray, Garnett Kidney and Duwein Quiolele.

Injuries - Ronan Sands (thigh - 1 week)