Armagh seconds lose in Towns cup
Armagh seconds played their Dungannon counterparts on Saturday at the palace grounds in the towns cup. Having secured a narrow victory in the league at Christmas, Armagh knew that this would be a similar type and close game. Straight from the kick off, the home side declared their intentions by immediately spinning the ball out the backs with John Faloon and Stuart Lester prominent. On 8 minutes Colin Atkinson combined with Lewis Morton to put Captain David Martin in at the posts for a try converted by Timmy McNeice, 7 – 0 to Armagh. CLICK HERE for the Shotsssss “!” Dungannon were getting their share of the ball and on 14 minutes were awarded a penalty which was converted to reduce Armagh’s lead, 7 – 3. On 24 minutes McNeice added a simple penalty after good play by the forwards to stretch the lead to 10 – 3. Shortly after, the Dungannon forwards gained a foothold in the home sides 22 and eventually rumbled over for an unconverted try to close the score to 10-8 at half time. Unfortunately Armagh were down to 14 men at this stage after losing a player to a yellow card. The second half proved to be a dour midfield battle at times with no team being dominant. Stuart Lester broke downfield with a kick and chase which ended when he was held back by a Dungannon player over the try line. This was to prove the turning point in the game as Dungannon were to score a late unconverted try to take the lead for the first time. Armagh still had time to attack through David Spratt, Jonny Allen, Faloon and McNeice, however Dungannon’s defence stood firm until the final whistle. Final score, Armagh 10 Dungannon 13.
