Saturday saw Armagh Second’s entertain Ballynahinch Second’s at The Palace Grounds in the hard fought Ulster Second Fifteen League. To date, Ballynahinch have played five games and won five, so Armagh were under no delusions that this was always going to be a hard fought fixture.
The game kicked off in damp, dull conditions and after 5mins play the home pack exerted their control of loose play when they won a great turnover from Bassett which, in turn, lead to a penalty when Ballynahinch were caught straying off-side. Unfortunately the attempted kick at goal from Ferriera, kick drifted wide.
Just seven minutes later, however, Ferriera landed a penalty kick after Ballynahinch were caught entering a ruck from the side. This gave the home side a slender 3-0 lead. After another10 minutes another penalty attempt drifted wide from Ferriera. Just twenty minutes into the game saw Armagh win a great turnover from Willie Martin, which resulted in a kick to corner. This, in turn, led to a great catch and drive, with the ball being released for a well taken try by Ethan Allen. This was converted by Ferriera to put the score to 10-0.
Not to be outdone, on the 37th minute the visitors took advantage of some poor tackling which allowed ‘hinch winger Lawton to score in the corner. The conversion went wide to leave the half-time score at 10-5.
Just six minutes after the break the visitors put in an attack and after some good off-loading they sent three quarters, Craig, in for a well taken try. This was converted by Lawton to put the visitors 10-12 ahead. Just seven minutes Armagh were penalized again for a rucking offence and Ballynahinch took advantage to kick the three further points. This put the score to 10-18.
Armagh, however, showing some great character to come back into the game. Some strong running and a powerful handoff allowed John Faloon to slip past his man and score a great try, This was converted by Ferreira to close the score to 17-18. Ballynahinch, replied by continuing to show a great deal of respect for the Armagh side by kicking 2 long range penalties at goal by Lawton. This opened the score out to 17-24. just two minutes before the final whistle Armagh demonstrated some strong running from both centres with the ball being spread for, out-half, Ferriera to go through for a well deserved try. This was coolly converted by, full-back, McNiece to draw the match 24-24.
This was probably a fair result for an entertaining game of open, and extremely entertaining rugby.
