RUGBY: Carrick win by narrow margin

A late Aaron McKinney try proved crucial as Carrick claimed a 23-19 win over Omagh on Saturday.

Carrick started strongly, finding gaps in the home defence and after great work by hooker Glen Baxter who broke the line, the ball was quickly recycled and Andrew Kincaid powered his way over.

However, Omagh got themselves together and took advantage of a few mistakes from the Carrick team and scored 12 unanswered points to give them a 12-5 lead at half-time.

After a turnover by Baxter in the second half, the ball was played to the backs and out half Johnny Sherriff sliced through the defence to score a great individual try. the resulting kick was converted to tie the scores at 12-12.

The Carrick pack kept up the great work rate through carrying and tackling, although after a turnover from the Omagh number seven, the home team made two passes then transferred to the winger who went in at the corner. The try was converted from the touch line.

After this score Carrick seemed to turn it up a gear and got two quick penalties in succession to leave the score at 19-18 to Omagh.

With seven minutes remaining, Carrick knew they had to get into Omagh’s half and get at least a penalty. And after the Carrick pack made ground, Glenn Picken passed to Baxter who made great yards and the ball eventually ended up in the hands of McKinney who glided past a few defenders to touch down in the corner. This try was not converted to leave the score at 23-19 to Carrick.

Carrick will face Randalstown away in the second round of the Junior Cup.

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