Despite a snow blizzard before lunchtime, Armagh’s home fixture with Barnhall RFC went ahead as planned with the pitch soft but playable.
Due to injury and unavailability, there were four changes to the starting team from the previous week and a completely lacklustre performance from the home team saw the visitors win comfortably 0 – 15.
Within five minutes referee, Joy Neville, penalised Armagh for failing to roll away in the tackle and centre Simon Gillespie opened the visitor’s account 0 – 3.
The heavier Barnhall pack soon had Armagh under pressure at scrum time and the home team were struggling to gain possession. A second penalty extended Barnhall’s lead to 6 nil as half time approached.
Kyle Faloon, at full-back was starting his first match for the 1st XV and was narrowly wide with a long range penalty attempt.
After an uninspiring 40 minutes, Armagh need to lift their game in the second half but conditions deteriorated with another snow blizzard making conditions unpleasant for players and spectators alike. It was Barnhall however, who continued to dictate play and control possession. The visitors were content to kick for territory, win penalties and convert them. Three successful kicks in the second period stretched their lead to 15 nil. Armagh’s set piece play was the most disappointing aspect of the match as the home team had to live on scraps and the backline lacked penetration. Armagh’s best attempt at a try came when Kyle Faloon kicked ahead down the wing but his opposite number recovered to touchdown in goal to avert the danger.
A very disappointing match came to a close with the visitors delighted to have claimed the points. Armagh remain in fifth place in the league table with Barnhall now just one point behind in sixth place.
City of Armagh now need to refocus for a tough Ulster derby away to Rainey OB this Saturday.
