On a sunny breezy afternoon at Stormont, Service choose to begin this highly competitive match with the wind at their backs.

Ophir were unable to exit their 22 and gave away an early penalty. The ball rebounded off the post and Service were more alert resulting in a try under the posts. Service continued to use the wind to pin Ophir in their own half and when Ophir had a man binned for a deliberate knock on, gaps appeared allowing Service to run in a further 4 converted tries to take a commanding 35-0 lead into the second half.

A mirror image of the first half in terms of field position and possession but Ophir did not capitalise on their second half dominance and could not break the Service defence even when Service has a player sent to the bin.

Ophir did not relent using their big ball carriers to good effect but three times Service were able to disrupt play and break up field to score a further breakaway tries against the run of play.

Notable performances from both Captains, Service’s Hamish Matheson who bagged a brace of tries and Ophir’s Jonny Gray who urged his players on despite the scoreline.

Final score: Civil Service 52 Ophir 0

Civil Service Scorers: TRY:  Matthew Cuthbertson (2), Peter Hoskins, Jack Duffin, Andrew Toland, Hamish Matheson (2), Gareth Anderson. 
CON: “Pistol Pete” Hoskins (6)

Report and pictures – Richard Owens.