Edgar double helps Accies Seconds grind out victory over Dromore

Accies seconds second row forward, Mervyn Edgar, dives over the line to score his second try and Accies third in their 15 - 7 Provincial Premier One victory over Dromore seconds. AN455026 | TC

placeholder image — Accies seconds second row forward, Mervyn Edgar, dives over the line to score his second try and Accies third in their 15 - 7 Provincial Premier One victory over Dromore seconds. AN455026 | TC

Accies Seconds secured a hard-fought victory over Dromore thanks to a double from Edgar, with the team's disciplined performance earning them a crucial win.

Provincial Premier One

Omagh Academicals RFC 2nd XV....15

Dromore RFC 2nd XV....7

OMAGH Academicals RFC’s second XV continued their winning run with a hard-fought 15–7 victory over Dromore at Thomas Mellon Playing Fields on Saturday.

Jamie Woods looks for options for a pass as Accies seconds attack. AN454926 | TC

In fine conditions, with a gentle breeze and a light drizzle throughout, the Accies had to show patience and resilience against traditionally stubborn opponents.

However, while the victory extends their unbeaten league campaign to five matches, the failure to secure a bonus point sees Omagh slip to second place in Provincial Premier One, with the league title firmly in their sights.

Accies seconds prop, Matthew Patterson, is double tackled by Dromore seconds opponents. AN454826 | TC

Jamie Mitchell, Accies seconds number eight, is tackled by two Dromore seconds opponents. AN454726 | TC

Omagh made a positive start, with excellent continuity through multiple pairs of hands creating space out wide. Strong carries from Jamie Mitchell and Niall Alexander helped build pressure, and hooker Calum Doherty finished in the corner inside the opening five minutes.

The conversion was missed, leaving Omagh 5–0 ahead.

Accies seconds forwards attack the Dromore seconds defence. AN454626 | TC

Omagh seconds' Corey Nugent and team mate pressure a Dromore seconds opponent into releasing the ball. AN454525 | TC

Dromore responded well, using their strong scrum and powerful backline runners to put the home defence under pressure.

After a sustained spell of attacking play, the visitors eventually broke through for a converted try around the 20-minute mark to take a 7–5 lead.

Despite a yellow card for Dromore later in the half, Omagh struggled to turn their opportunities into points, and the visitors held their advantage at the break.

The second half developed into a physical and competitive encounter, with both sides battling hard for territory. Omagh gradually began to impose themselves through determined carries and improved pressure, with veteran forward Mervyn Edgar prominent throughout.

Ten minutes into the half, a well-executed lineout and driving maul provided the platform for Edgar to cross the line and restore Omagh’s lead. The conversion was again unsuccessful.

As the clock ticked down, Omagh’s scrum provided a crucial platform in the closing stages.

Another penalty kicked to the corner set up a lineout, and a familiar driving-maul move saw Edgar claim his second try of the afternoon.

The conversion was missed, leaving the score at 15–7.

Dromore pushed hard in the closing minutes, but Omagh defended resolutely before launching one final attacking effort from deep inside their own 22, carrying play towards the visitors’ 22 as the final whistle sounded.

The victory keeps Omagh firmly in contention for the Provincial Premier One title, although the missed bonus point means there is little room for error at the top of the table.

Attention now turns to next week’s league fixture against Portadown 2nd XV, where the Accies will look to maintain their winning momentum and continue their push for the title.