What a difference a week makes! Last Saturday Armagh played their fixture against Thomond RFC in almost perfect conditions on a hard, dry, pitch surrounded by a galvanised stockade in a socially deprived area of Limerick. The heroes who run Thomond RFC have to be congratulated for putting out a very gritty side in what must be the most challenging conditions seen in Irish Club Rugby! Saturday’s match against Instonians,however, was played in what can only be described at best as filthy conditions! The glorious Shaws Bridge facilities are in complete contrast to the stockade lined Liam Fitzgerald Park in Limerick. Saturday’s weather had closed in with the temperature showing a lowly 3.5 degrees and a biting easterly wind which carried a steady rainfall to boot! This had rendered the normally pristine Shaws Bridge pitches into mud bath conditions. These cold, wet, windy surroundings did not promise to provide an afternoon’s entertainment for open or entertaining rugby.
Despite these prevailing conditions both teams were intent on throwing the ball about and Instonians appeared to settle in all the sooner. Armagh were caught entering a ruck improperly and the resultant kick put the Belfast side 3-0 up. Both sides were seen to be the victims of numerous handling errors as a result of the greasy ball & frozen fingers.
Armagh responded with Richard Reaney scoring a try in the left corner. Unfortunately the wind carried his conversion wide. Shortly after the re-start Instonians scored a fine try when their full-back got through the Armagh defence to score an opportune touch-down. Not to be out done Armagh replied with a rolling maul which enabled James McCall to touch down close to the Instonian’s posts. This time Reaney’s conversion was on target to leave the half-time score at 8-12.
The second half saw the conditions deteriorate to the point that even the most stalwart supporters were seen to flinch let alone the heroes on the playing field! The biting wind caused both sides great problems with cold hands & drifting touch kicks.
Armagh went on to see tries scored by Johnny Steenson, Brian Bassett, Willy Martin & Ethan Allan.
Through these tries and conversions the final score ended up at 8-38. But both players and spectators were only too glad to get back to the shelter of the club house as the temperature dropped and snow was seen to fall as the final whistle blew.
