Saturday saw a top of the table class at the Palace Grounds, with a full strength side out and the wind in their backs, the home side received the kick off. The game started out to be a very physical encounter with both packs throwing everything at each other. With some great tackling from Andrew Morton and Jude Parr Armagh managed to turn the ball over and started to pressurise the visitors defence. With hard running from Stuart McMahon, Paul Cully and Colin Cochrane the Home back started getting some quick ball for the backs. Andy Knipe controlled play, keeping Matty Allen and Robert Straghan tight to the pack. With play moving to the visitors line, Armagh lost the ball forward but on the resulting scrum Parr charged down the clearance kick and scored the first try of the game. knipe converted.
With ten minutes of the first half remaining Armagh had to defend their own line from some hard running and mauling from the ‘Money pack. With a great tackle coming in from Knipe and Allen the pack turned the ball over and Stanley Hamilton cleared the lines. Half time 7-0
The second half saw Armagh play into the strong wind and immediately on the back foot with the visitors outhalf kicking for territory and keeping Armagh pinned in the ’22’. The following clearance kick fell into the arms of the traveling sides winger and he went in for a gift of a try. The conversion was missed. 7-5
Armagh seemed to up the ante after the mistake and got straight back up the pitch to the opponents half and with good carrying from James Knox and Rory Hanna the backs got some quick ball for wingers Adam Brennan and Mark Allen and fullback Mark Laverty to do damage out wide. With the 3rd phase of play Armagh scored the days 2nd try through Mark Allen. Knipe converted 14-7
With minutes left Armagh scored a penalty and the ‘Money outhalf took an opportunistic drop goal leaving the score 17-8. Man of the match went to Adam Brennan. With 6 points clear at the top of the league this is now Armaghs league to lose.
