Seconds win at Ards
Armagh seconds played a re-arranged 2nd xv league on Saturday at Hamilton park in Ards. In fine conditions an early mistake by Armagh led to a converted penalty for the home side, 3-0 to Ards. The game had started at a frantic pace and a mistake by Ards led to turn over ball which Paul Campbell took advantage off by racing in from 40 metres. Converted by Eden, Armagh had taken the lead 7-3. Armagh were under pressure in the scrums, however with the backline looking sharp, another try followed shortly after when Robbie Faloon broke through the Ards defence after good work by McNeice, and Martin for a converted try at the posts. Ards always looked dangerous when in attack and after a foray into the Armagh 22, an Ards centre strolled over at the posts. The conversion brought the home side right back into the game, 14-10 to Armagh. With both teams playing some enterprising rugby, just on the stroke of half time another turnover on the half way line led to Robbie Thompson setting off from the half way line to the corner flag for a good individual try, 19-10 to Armagh. On the restart with Armagh playing with the slope, a try was to follow when loose ball was hacked through inside the Ards 22 for Matthew McSorley to touch down for an unconverted try, 24-10 to Armagh. The hard working Armagh 8 never gave in to the larger Ards pack with Sherry, Fletcher, Clendinning and Hall showing up well. Two more long range tries were added by Joe Coventry and Paul Campbell which were both converted by Matthew Heaney. This made the final score 38-10 to Armagh.
