BANBRIDGE 29 ARMAGH 24
For the second consecutive week Armagh played their local rivals Banbridge. Last week’s 32-20 defeat eliminated the Armagh side from the Ulster Senior Cup. This Saturday the Orchard County side travelled to Rifle Park to play Banbridge in the Ulster Senior League.
Armagh kicked off with a freshening breeze at their backs and it was evident from the start that they were keen to re-establish their confidence after last week’ defeat. The first move of the game saw Armagh win a ‘choke tackle’ and put the home side under pressure inside their 22. From the resultant scrum Banbridge were penalized and club captain Reaney kicked an early three point lead.
Thirteen minutes into the game & Armagh were caught off-side. Banbridge took a tap-kick option and swung the ball out to their left wing who, with an overlap was able to touch down in the corner. The breeze carried the conversion wide but things looked bleak for the Armagh side when, just four minutes later, the heavy Banbridge pack forced their way over the Armagh lin under the posts. The conversion brought the score to 12-3. Penalties kicked from both sides brought the half-time score to 15-12.
At the re-start it was obvious that the freshening breeze was beginning to play an increasing role in the game. Taking this into account both teams were seen to play open, entertaining rugby. Winger, Robbie Faloon and centre, Johnny Allen both put in spirited runs but failed to put points on the board.
The second half saw Armagh score a further 12 points through tries from James Morton and Harry Doyle added to by a conversion from Richard Reaney. Banbridge, on the other hand, scored a further 14 points to leave the final score at 29-24.
From this result coach, Andrew Hughes, can only take encouragement as last Saturday’s encounter at the Palace Grounds resulted in a twelve point defeat. Whereas to travel to Banbridge to compete in this week’s fixture and see a narrow five point defeat against a side from a higher league status must be rewarding. In fact, if Armagh had taken just one or two more chances they could well have won the game.
Next Saturday’s fixture sees Armagh entertain De la Salle Palmerstown at the Palace Grounds in their first fixture of the new season in the Ulster Bank All Ireland League. This Dublin side was relegated into section 2B at the end of last season. They will, no doubt, be keen to assert their position in the league making for an interesting encounter.
INTERNATIONAL RUGBY STAR TO ATTEND PRE-MATCH LUNCH
Ulster & Ireland star, Stephen Ferris will be attending the pre-match lunch before the game and no doubt he will be capable of entertaining the Armagh supporters and the Dublin visitors. Club members will receive further booking details via club text messages should they wish to attend.
Armagh seconds defeat Banbridge seconds.
Armagh seconds travelled to Banbridge to play the local seconds in section one of the 2nd xv league on Saturday. Peter Eves, Peter Elliott, Eoghan O’Hagan, Brian Bassett, Carlos Knight, Andrew Knipe, Mattie Wright, Jamie Monaghan and club coach Andy Hughes came into the side from the previous week’s game. Straight from the kick off and playing with the slope and breeze, Armagh made their intentions clear with forwards and backs combining to take play into the home 22. After several drives for the line, captain Joe Clarke powered over mid way out for an unconverted try to give Armagh an early 5 – 0 lead. Half backs Mattie Wright and Andrew Knipe controlled the pace of the game with Mattie making one long sniping run down the pitch early on. On 18 minutes after good work by Hughes and Elliott, Jamie Monaghan received a pass out wide to score a fine team try. With the try not converted, Armagh had a lead of 10-0. Armagh had the edge in the scrums with the front row of Knight, Gareth Warnock and Jason McMahon providing a solid platform and the second row of Jamie Haughey and Brian Bassett providing the power. Shortly after, Scrum half Wright picked up an ankle injury but although in some pain, bravely played on. With no further score, the teams changed round in the second half with the local seconds having the advantage of the elements. Andy Hughes had to leave the field soon after with an injury and this was the signal for Banbridge to up their game. There were several close calls for the Armagh defence, however the locals did eventually score a good converted try to bring the score back to 10-7. By now Armagh with a player in the sin bin were starting to feel the pressure. Banbridge ran everything to try and make the extra numbers count. In a rare sortie up the pitch, Andrew Knipe converted a penalty to increase the lead to 13-7 to Armagh. A flowing Armagh move involving Robert Straghan ended with him kicking ahead and narrowly missing out on a try in the corner. Banbridge scored a late try with the conversation missed, however the fulltime whistle sounded shortly after leaving the final score, Armagh 13, Banbridge 12. This was a good win for the seconds with their defence being tested to the limit in the second half.
