On arriving at the Omagh ground it was clear that the Enniskillen boys had let their week’s worth of research into the opposition negatively influence their confidence. For the opening 10 minutes the Omagh team attacked whilst the Enniskillen defence looked straggled and unorganised with two converted tries being scored against them in quick succession. As the ERGS side began to find a little form, an impressive interception then put Omagh 21 points ahead. After a quick team talk under the posts the ERGS boys now needed to step-up to the challenge or face a potentially devastating defeat. From the restart Omagh attacked once again using their dominant full-back to break the line, but this time he was met by Aaron Smyton and Harry Ingram who were determined not to let him through, both boys making exceptional tackles which seemed to trigger the rest of the team’s willingness to fight back. As the forwards punched up the park and the back line consistently closed down the opposing scrum half and No.10 the Omagh team now found themselves on the back foot and it wasn’t long before second row Nathan Armstrong forced his way through and over the line for a try which was converted by Daniel Johnston just before half time.
The second half was a completely different game. Enniskillen dominated play though aggressive tackling and rucking. The ERGS pack out-scrummaged Omagh on a regular basis and their defensive lineout tactics prevented Omagh from ever forming one of their characteristics rolling mauls. To their credit, the Omagh defence held strong with the majority of play in their half. Unfortunately despite a number of very close calls the points required to close the gap did not come.
A frustrating final result but an important lesson learnt in terms of managing confidence and self belief.
