Portadown travelled to the Palace Grounds hoping to end Armagh’s unbeaten record in the league to date and consolidating their own in the process. It didn’t start well for the Blues however with the home side clearly on top in the early exchanges. With the penalty count racking up against the visitors, it was only the wayward kicking of the out-half that kept the scores level, missing four kicks in succession as Portadown struggled with the pace of the game.
55 photos here of Armagh v Portadown. Thanks To Colin Hayburn – CLICK HERE To View.
The defence was holding firm but was about to be tested to the limit as first David Whitten playing in the centre and then Dave O’Callaghan in the second row were ordered to the line within minutes of each other, leaving The Blues with only thirteen for a brief period. Armagh sensed blood but when their attacking line-out on the 22 was stolen by the impressive Willie Graham the momentum had started to shift and the Blues gradually started to establish a foothold in the game. It was a pity then to concede a try just when things were starting to look more positive. A quick tap penalty brought play deep into Portadown territory and good pick and drive play by the Armagh forwards saw them cross the line out wide for a score. 5-0 to the hosts. Immediately Portadown set about getting themselves on the score sheet and with the pack now functioning well as a unit Armagh were under pressure. Portadown’s try came on the stroke of half-time, a good catch and drive by captain Phillip Jackson saw the big number five pushed over for a vital score. Half-time 5-5.
The second half was nip and tuck with both defences well on top, there were a number of big hits and Portadown’s discipline was noticeably improved whilst the hosts were clearly rattled. Chris Cousens slotted over a penalty mid-way through the half to push the Blues into a slender lead. Armagh worked hard to get points on the board but it’s fair to say they never really looked like troubling the Portadown line. Fullback John McGuckian missed a long-range penalty before centre Gareth Martin made the decisive play that would seal the game. A strong attacking scrum by the Blues set the platform for quick ball and Martin running a superb line collected and deftly dummied the cover to coast in unchallenged. A superb derby day win for the Blues ensures the bragging rights are secure until the Sides meet again in March next year for what may yet turn out the be a decisive fixture.
PORTADOWN 5XV 7 v 11 ARMAGH 3XV
Simon Carey’s 5XV lost narrowly to their near neighbours Armagh’s in a tightly contested fixture. Having had the lions share of possession and territory for most of the opening exchanges the Blues were disappointed to find themselves 3-0 down after the visitors only real attack saw them slot a drop goal. It was a lesson in efficiency for the home side and one they couldn’t learn from as again good possession and field position didn’t yield a score. Indeed it was Armagh who added to their tally, a rare attack resulting in a score that looked suspiciously like a double movement. The heads didn’t go down and instead the Blues responded with a well worked score of their own, good work by the forwards set up field position and quick hands by the backs allowed Garth Durrans the freedom to drift over the line. Converted 8-7. The second half started at a frantic pace with the Blues intent on grinding out a victory. It was a day for the forwards and the front five got through some heavy work, out-muscling their rivals at every opportunity. Muscle and hard graft alone doesn’t win games however and Portadown spent an eternity camped inside the Armagh half, but a lack of invention coupled with resolute defence kept the visitors slender margin intact. Portadown had opportunities to take the lead, two tough penalties were missed and when Armagh kicked one of their own late on the game was over, definitely the one that got away.
