Ophir 2's grind out a win

On Saturday the 7th April, the Ophir men headed towards the Glynn to take on Larne, This fixture was due to be a home match, but due to Ophir not being able to field a team last week for the home leg, the advantage was given to Larne for this week.

As normal, the intentions of getting a team out was going really well until Friday evening when the selection committee received a number of players pulling out. Reasons why cannot be discussed due to strict confidentiality agreements. The selection committee pulled out all the stops and arrived at Larne with a full team including subs.

Captain Michael Doyle said before the game "We don’t like Larne, They don’t like us" which to this day, no one has been able to work out what it meant. Moving on swiftly…

Coach Ricky Press and Chris Phillips along with Josh Collins made up the front row as they look to cement their place in the 1st's game vs Malone next week. They did not disappoint as Ricky Press and Chris Phillips (2) scored to set Ophir on their way. Appearing in the 2nd row alongside the captain was Andrew Finlay who last appeared as a full back against PSNI, realised that the fame and glory was in the pack. Andy carried well throughout the game and was always looking to make his mark. Interviewed before the game Andrew mentioned that he wanted to be top try scorer this season. The reporter mentioned that he needed 15 to make that mark, Andrew mentioned that it wasn't an issue and would be on 10 by half time.

The back row consisted of Ricky Burns, Neil Gray and a returning Cameron Keye's whose lineout ability or lack of weight was instrumental in stealing ball throughout the game. Karl Davis appeared in back to back matches for the first time this season and set up a few tries along the way. Ben Lowry continued his duties at 10 and put in another solid performance for the team.

At centre Dee O'Reilly made a return from injury that kept him out for 2 years. The club sent him to America to receive treatment, the time off certainly did him good as Dee was solid in defence throughout the match making big tackles and even trotted in for a try before going off injured. Playing 13 and making a debut for the club was Stevie McCalmont, Stevie carried the ball well and looked sharp for his first game since school.

The two wings were John Doyle and Keith Lowry, both had a quiet game in attack but were at times called upon in defence. Starting at full back was Lochlain McKenzie who did absolutely nothing except for win a foot race starting 10m behind.

Subs were Adam Aitcheson who was impressive when he latched onto a ball on the halfway line. Stormed past multiple defenders to score and bring the team back into a winning position. Anthony Davis filled another spot and nothing more to say than he was up to his usual big hits and big carries. Lastly Big Bobby Press was the last sub called in at the last minute and was solid in the scrum and made a few great carries.

Everyone put in a performance to grind out the win, there was a lot of times the boys switched off and allowed Larne back into the game. On to next week when they have Ballymena 4's Away.