Saturday was always going to be a very difficult day for Ulster rugby. With the whole country still reeling from the Spence tragedy The Palace Grounds, understandably, offered no escape from the feelings of remorse. To witness both the first and second fifteen players line up with their opposition and match officials is a sight not easily forgotten. The dignity of the occasion was reflected by the complete silence for that long minute, indeed, all present could have heard a pin drop for the whole sixty seconds as the large crowd united in paying their respect to the Spence family.
CLICK HERE for the pictures
The game itself was played in ideal conditions and got off to an exiting start with the visiting pack sending their number 8 over the Armagh line with only nine minutes on the clock! Just two minutes after the restart saw the visitors penalized when the backs were caught off-side. Johnny Steenson was on target with the kick and the match was promising to be a real thriller.
The Banbridge on occasions showed their polish and were justifying their reputation for being one of the strongest units in the country! While the pack were exerting pressure in all aspects of the game they were also ably supported by some very talented backs. This enabled the visitors to send their lock forward over for a try after seventeen minutes play. To add to Armagh’s problems the conversion was on target and the 3-12 scoreline was beginning to concern the large crowd of Armagh supporters. The Armagh team, however, had other ideas and just before half-time the backs combined to send Johnny Steenson over for a fine try in the right corner. Johnny then went on to land a difficult conversion to make the score at the break a creditable 10-12.
The excitement continued after the restart with Banbridge scoring a converted try in the first minute. The visitors then scored again with the captain, Stephen McKinstry, touching down in the left corner.
The Armagh strength of character was illustrated with flanker, Colin Atkinson, scoring under the posts. The conversion brought the score up to 17-24. Not to be outdone, Banbridge replied with another try when their winger went over in the right corner. The out-half, Johnny Pollock, was successful with the conversion which brought the score to 17-31. The final Banbridge points were scored when centre, Morrison, ran in a try. By now the mutterings from the Banbridge supporters were mentioning their poor finishing record. Sure enough, Armagh were seen to rally by sending Matthew Steenson in for a beautiful try, which closed the score at 22-36. When all is said and done, this game reflected the Armagh’s ability to soak up pressure from one of the strongest packs in Irish rugby yet to be able to score right up to the closing minute of the game showed real resolution.
It was very encouraging to see such a huge crowd at the Palace Grounds among whom was international stars such as Tommy Bowe, Willie Falloon , & Rory Best. All of them keen to lend support and encouragement to both local sides.
Next Saturday sees Armagh set off on the long, 272 mile, trip to Clonakilty. This trip, deep into Munster, is the first game of the season in the Ulster Bank All Ireland League.
