Omagh 5

Galwegians 27

Galwegians returned to winning ways after a disappointing loss in their top-of-the-table clash at home to Clogher Valley a week ago when they claimed a bonus-point victory on the road against Omagh last Saturday.

The Sky Blues made a few changes to the side from that defeat to Clogher Valley, as regular starter Oisin Halpin came in at blindside flanker for Jesse Va’afusuaga’s; while Eoin Tarmey his first start since the Midleton game in October. Cian Brady returned to action at full-back with Darragh Kennedy transitioning to the wing.

There were difficult conditions at Mellon Park, with the rain hammering down on the players. Galwegians had a majority of possession in the opening quarter of the game, but were not able to find a breakthrough.

Their best chance came through Finn Tracey who burst through the Omagh backline to break into the 22, but he misplaced the pass to Kennedy, and the opportunity went a-begging.

The hosts didn’t have many visits to the opposition 22, but they weathered all that early pressure to break through and take advantage of a rare opening to take the lead 20 minutes in.

Off the back of a scrum, scrum-half Fintan Lagan slipped through the tackle of Andrew Sherlock to march towards the 22. He found Ben Henry on the right wing, and he evaded the tackles of the Galwegians’ defence to score the opening try.

Galwegians had a majority of the ball but had nothing on the scoreboard to represent their efforts. Oisin McKey got close to his first try in sky blue but was intercepted at the line and taken out for a lineout. Another chance came five minutes later just five metres out, but a knock-on scuppered their chances.

The weather continued to worsen, throwing a spanner into the works for both sides, who were thankful for the brief respite from the elements that half-time brought, with the home side still enjoying that 5-0 lead.

Pictured: Galwegians forwards Garyn Daniel, Liam Angermann, Rob Holian, Dylan Keane and Jack Winters had an impressive game against Omagh.