Dungannon took the honours on Saturday with style defeating a heavy antipodean influenced Wanderers side by 50 points to 12 in a one sided final to claim the Campbell Cup at the Omagh Sevens in association with Omagh District council and sponsors Dalriadan Inc.

Two Omagh based sides lifted the other two trophies on offer, The Waterson Cup and the PJ Ryan Cups won by the Jokers and The Replacements respectively in excellent conditions at Thomas Mellon Playing Fields.

The field was much depleted with many sides in action, league or play-off in a season that has been extended as a direct result of a harsh winter and the plethora of meaningless top four playoff fixtures still to be played.

“Our entries were down and there were not as many quality sides in the tournament, though there were still some excellent matches and a few thrilling” derby matches” “, revealed main tournament organiser, Mervyn Beattie. “We are indebted for the support from Wanderers from Dublin, and ex-Omagh player, Andrew Loughlin and Alan Simpson, who always bring sides from Stockport and Ballymena respectively”, he added, “while UUJ and Carrick were very welcome”.

With the entry smaller than other year, Beattie drew the sides into three groups with the winners going on to the semi-finals of the Campbell cup, the second placed team into the Waterson Cup semi-finals and the third placed sides into the PJ Ryan Cup. One side ha a bye into the final which told a story in the end as they appeared to be that bit fresher and sharper in the finals.

The curtain winds down on another rugby season though the Accies thirds have a playoff game against Dromore seconds next week while all members are reminded that the AGM will be held on Thursday 12th May at 8.00 and the Accies will be holding a BBQ on 22nd May to coincide with the Heineken Cup final.

Group One

Group One was the biggest and on paper the strongest with Stockport, Jokers, Replacements, Ballymena and UUJ all battling it out for semi-final places. As is often the case, the most entertaining and exciting matches were at the lower end of the table which saw Ballymena see off UUJ by 27 points to 24. Stockport, with the evergreen Andy Loughlin in tow edged out the Jokers, containing a mi of players from clubs all over the country and ex- Omagh Accies Kiwi captain, Greg Jordan who had just touched down that morning. The Replacements, who had a massive squad, gave notice that they would be competitive scoring 10 tries in the round robin matches, and they certainly made the headlines in their new resplendent pink kits. Ballymena and UUJ competed well but were happy not to pursue knock out action and enjoy their day out.

Group Two

The second group saw Wanderers rack up 25 tries while only conceding one as they emerged as early favourites with a line up of players from the south sea island, well versed and comfortable in the shortened version of the game. The Omagh Accies v Baa Baas match was keenly fought and again the most entertaining fixture saw the Stephen Giboney led Baa Baas defeat the PSNI by 33 points to 28 with several of the home club front row union, including Stephen Rutledge, Andrew Burnside and Mark Smyth showing their silky skills and a neat burst of pace or two.

Group Three

Dungannon were the powerhouse outfit in the third group and though they started slowly against a plucky Mexicans outfit, they settled down and ran out easy winners, with Omagh Academy, showing excellent support skills, support play and pace took the runner up spot with Carrick pipping the crowd favourite Mexicans for third place. The Mexicans used the rolling maul to good effect and brought a touch of craic to the group ensuring that the social side of the game is not forgotten about.

PJ Ryan Cup

The Replacements defeated Carrick in a free flowing match by 27-17 to book their place in the final. Made up of Omagh based players from the firsts to the fourths, they have improved significantly since their inaugural outing three years ago, and while many still have their baby faces, they proved there is talent in the home club by defeating the Baa Baas in the final to claim the PJ Ryan Cup, and while they claimed the silverware, the Baa baas proudly hung on to mickey mouse, their much travelled and educated official mascot.

Waterson Cup

The semi-final and final of the Waterson Cup between the home club, Omagh Accies and Omagh Academy, and then Omagh Accies v the Jokers (with a strong Omagh influence) was perhaps the most entertaining and enjoyable match all afternoon with no end of passion, skill and commitment all thrown in. The semi0final match ebbed and flowed and though Omagh Academy battled to the last, they were pipped by the stronger and more experienced Accies line-up. Credit to the Academy though, as they had only seven players and therefore had to play every minute of action.

The final was an edgy affair with a lot of familiarity. Again, the match swung back and forward entertaining what was a sizeable crowd. The Jokers were fresher and this paid off as they finished the stronger eventually winning by 24 points to 17 in a hard fought cracker of a match.

Campbell Cup

Wanderers had too much class for a fancied Stockport outfit in the semi-final and took their place in an eagerly anticipated final. Easily the best two sides on display, many tipped the Dublin 4 side with their powerful runners against a Dungannon side that had scored plenty of points but did not seem to sparkle.

The final was a one sided affair with the Stevenson park men clicking into gear playing some attractive sevens and moving their larger opponents around the park before applying the killer touch to claim the main trophy on offer, the Campbell Cup by 50 points to 12.

All in all this was a very entertaining sevens and credit must go to the grounds men, caretaker Jimmy Anderson and Mervyn Beattie and his team of helpers, with John Colhoun and Derrick Rainey ensuring everything went smoothly. The Accies would also like to express their appreciation to the sponsors, Dalriadan Inc and also the referees for their patience, humour and effort; they included Terry McCartney, Kevin Bartlett, Phil Marshall, Douglas Tweed and Stephen Robinson.

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