With Armagh not having a league fixture in 2012 yet it was always going to be tricky for coach, Andy Hughes, to retain match fitness within his squad. Although Armagh’s season has been a little erratic so far, the season took on a brighter complexion on New Year’s Eve when they pulled off a fine 11-0 win over Rainey in Magherafelt. Indeed, the win, away from home and with Rainey unable to penetrate the Armagh’s defence was a very welcome tonic for the Armagh side. The stature of this win became all the more evident when we look at the fact Rainey hold second position in the Ulster Bank All-Ireland 2B League with 30 points under their belts. Armagh have slipped down to 12th position with only two wins and a meagre 13 points to show for their efforts. In an effort to retain match fitness Andy Hughes arranged a match with Belfast side, Instonians. When Armagh secured a 24-46 victory, it was obvious they had retained their newfound form.
When we look at next Saturday’s opposition, Cashel, the figures are daunting to say the least! The Munster side travel north to the Palace Grounds with 100% league record. To date, this season, they have played 13 games with 13 victories! They travel north to the Palace Grounds with this 100% league record, having secured 226 points with only 41 against. Cashel are no strangers to Armagh. The Co. Tipperary side made the long trek north in February 2008 when, in front of an enormous Palace Grounds crowd, they narrowly defeated Armagh 15-8 in the dying minutes of the quarter final of the All-Ireland Junior Cup.
Last season saw The Cashel club go on from strength to strength by picking up all sorts of awards. They were named as Junior Club of the year, Munster Junior League Champions, Junior Cup winners, Glesson Cup Winners, Web Cup Winners Munster League Cup Winners, Challenge Cup Winners.
The Armagh club, however, also won their own fair share awards last season by winning the Kukri Qualifying League and being named as Ulster Club of the season.
With we take all this on board Saturday’s game certainly promises to be a cracker! Both clubs have obvious ambitions and Armagh will, no doubt, be keen to reverse the result of the previous encounter.
NExt Saturday, Armageddon At The Palace Grounds!
