Accies battle back to earn draw

Ulster Championship One

Omagh....34

Cooke....34

IN a dramatic clash that had everything from flying tries to yellow cards, Omagh and Cooke battled to an exhilarating 34-34 draw.

Omagh got off to a dream start when Robbie Sproule crossed the line within the opening minutes, with Elliott coolly converting to make it 7-0.

Cooke, however, held firm and gradually found their rhythm, breaking through before half-time for their first try - though the conversion went wide, closing the gap to 7-5.

Moments later, Cooke struck again, this time with a successful conversion to take the lead 7-12.

Omagh were quick to respond, Kerr touching down to level the game at 12-12, though Elliott's conversion drifted just off target.

Cooke answered before the break with another converted try, sending the teams into half-time with Cooke leading 19-12.

The second half began with real intent from Omagh as Clyde powered through for a try, narrowing the score to 17-19.

Cooke slotted a penalty soon after to stretch their lead to 17-22, and it briefly looked as though the momentum was shifting their way.

Omagh, however, showed their trademark determination.

A hard-fought try brought the sides level once again, and Scott's conversion edged them ahead 24-22. Cooke hit back swiftly, scoring another try, though unconverted, to retake the lead 27-24.

A missed Omagh penalty right in front of the posts proved costly, and Cooke capitalised with another converted try, moving further ahead 34-24.

But Omagh refused to fade. Sustained pressure led to a yellow card for Cooke, and despite being denied just metres from the line,

Omagh kept battling. Another Cooke yellow opened the door again, and Omagh finally crashed over the line. Scott's conversion attempt just missed, leaving the game finely poised at 29-34.

With the clock ticking down, Beattie stormed through for a sensational try to level the score at 34-34.

Both teams fought fiercely in the final moments, but neither could find the decisive score, and the game ended in a thrilling stalemate.

A pulsating contest from start to finish, this was a showcase of grit, determination, and rugby spirit from both sides - a result that will be remembered for some time.

Hugh Gibson, Omagh club president, remarked both teams displayed full commitment in what proved to be an evenly contested match, played in excellent conditions for mid-table rugby.

Omagh came close to securing victory, narrowly missing a late conversion that could have changed the outcome.

Overall, both sides can be satisfied with their performance.

It was an excellent day of rugby, concluded with a dramatic and entertaining finish.