RUGBY: Ballyclare Seconds lose out to Omagh

Skipper Chris Coburn had to dip into 1st and 3rd XVs to get a full complement for this Junior League fixture at Mellon Park.

Ballyclare played with just 14 men for the first scoreless 15 minutes, but the hosts soon forged ahead with a try near the posts that was goaled.

Omagh continued to have territorial advantage and duly went 10 points clear with a penalty on the half-hour.

From a deep kick to the corner Baird and Coburn were almost over, but the ball was recycled across the pitch for winger Alex Ottey to cross for an unconverted try, leaving Ballyclare trailing 10-5 at the break.

In the second half Coburn’s side went down to 14 men again when scrum-half Stevenson was yellow-carded. But no sooner was he back than Ottey took his place in the sin-bin.

In the final 10 minutes Omagh were camped in the Clare territory and eventually scored their second touchdown that was converted.

Conceding penalties at crucial times spoiled several promising attacks in an otherwise battling performance.

Ballyclare: G Byers; D Roger, S Beasant, JJ Baird, A Ottey; T McGookin, W Stevenson; D Tweed, R Scott, W ea, M Stevenson, S Campbell, R Tweed, M Kirk, C Coburn (c).

Fixtures : 1st XV v CIYMS.