Omagh caused a major shock in the first round of the Nutty Krust Floodlit Tournament last Wednesday when they defeated one of the favourites Banbridge in a titanic struggle. Boosted by the inclusion of schoolboys Jake Cunningham and Chris Hemphill, Omagh elected to play into a stiff breeze but it was Banbridge who started the game in a positive manner and dominated the early stages. Ten minutes in Banbridge took the lead after their out half kicked a monster penalty from the half way line which bounced on the crossbar before going over. Banbridge continued to control the play and the score became 8-0 after their winger finished off a sweeping move to touch down in the corner. Omagh regrouped and refused to roll over in the face of the constant pressure. Banbridge pounded the Omagh line and on more than one occasion when a score seemed inevitable Omagh somehow turned over ball to rescue the situation. Towards the end of the first half Omagh mounted a rare attack on the Banbridge line. A loose pass was gathered by Mark Doherty who counter attacked down the right wing. An infringement at the breakdown by Banbridge gave Omagh a lineout on the 22m line. A textbook catch and drive created at gap for Stewart Robinson to crash over for an unconverted try to reduce the arrears to 8-5 at the break.
Now with the breeze Omagh half backs Robinson and Sweeney employed their kicking game to push their opponents back. Banbridge continued to press with their big centres a constant danger, however the Omagh pairing of Andrew Hall and Nathan Cummings produced a masterclass in midfield defence to nullify the threat. The two packs fought over every inch of ground as it became obvious it would take something special to turn the game in Omagh's favour. That moment arrived with ten minutes to go. With Banbridge camped on the Omagh line looking certain to score the ball popped up for Mark Hopton-Brown to gather and he set off on a tremendous run up the full length of the pitch. He outpaced a number of despairing Banbridge defenders and won a foot race to score in the corner. The conversion was missed but Omagh now had a two point lead. The drama wasn't over yet as with two minutes remaining Omagh conceded a penalty on their 22m line in front of the posts but to their relief the kick sailed just outside the left upright. It was to be the last scoring opportunity as Omagh held on to claim victory.
In the draw for the quarter finals which took place after the game, Omagh were paired with Ballynahinch with the game to be played on April 1st.