With almost 140 points scored in their opening three games of the season, Ophir took a great deal of confidence to the magnificent surroundings of Stormont Estate to meet Civil Service in the Qualifying League.
Ophir, supported by Biffa, took the initiative early on and dominated the scrum and lineout. An early penalty attempt by fullback David Walker was missed but he made up for it with a similar effort, this time successful.Â
In Service's first foray into the opposition half, Ophir's ...
With almost 140 points scored in their opening three games of the season, Ophir took a great deal of confidence to the magnificent surroundings of Stormont Estate to meet Civil Service in the Qualifying League. Ophir, supported by Biffa, took the initiative early on and dominated the scrum and lineout. An early penalty attempt by fullback David Walker was missed but he made up for it with a similar effort, this time successful. In Service's first foray into the opposition half, Ophir's prop was knocked unconscious and there followed a 25 minute delay in the game whilst he received the necessary medical assistance. Having taken control of the set pieces, the ensuing uncontested scrums worked to Ophir's disadvantage, compounded by the loss of a player. But they stuck to their task and still managed to retain the initiative. From a short penalty kicked to touch, Ophir won the lineout and drove the Civil Service pack to the line for scrumhalf Karl Davis to touch down for an unconverted try. The hosts started the second half brightly but despite a numerical advantage, they failed to make any impression on the scoreboard. Following a bout of aimless kicking from both sides, Ophir gained field position in the opposition 22 and forced a penalty which Walker dispatched for a 0-11 lead. Civil Service continued to press for a score of their own but the visitors added another try late on to take the final score to Civil Service 0 Ophir 18. Next Saturday, 19th October, Ophir 1st XV are away to Belfast High School Former Pupils while the 2nds host Ballymoney 5ths.
With almost 140 points scored in their opening three games of the season, Ophir took a great deal of confidence to the magnificent surroundings of Stormont Estate to meet Civil Service in the Qualifying League. Ophir, supported by Biffa, took the initiative early on and dominated the scrum and lineout. An early penalty attempt by fullback David Walker was missed but he made up for it with a similar effort, this time successful. In Service's first foray into the opposition half, Ophir's prop was knocked unconscious and there followed a 25 minute delay in the game whilst he received the necessary medical assistance. Having taken control of the set pieces, the ensuing uncontested scrums worked to Ophir's disadvantage, compounded by the loss of a player. But they stuck to their task and still managed to retain the initiative. From a short penalty kicked to touch, Ophir won the lineout and drove the Civil Service pack to the line for scrumhalf Karl Davis to touch down for an unconverted try. The hosts started the second half brightly but despite a numerical advantage, they failed to make any impression on the scoreboard. Following a bout of aimless kicking from both sides, Ophir gained field position in the opposition 22 and forced a penalty which Walker dispatched for a 0-11 lead. Civil Service continued to press for a score of their own but the visitors added another try late on to take the final score to Civil Service 0 Ophir 18. Next Saturday, 19th October, Ophir 1st XV are away to Belfast High School Former Pupils while the 2nds host Ballymoney 5ths.