ARMAGH RUGBY 51 DUNGANNON 3
Armagh played Dungannon in the Ulster Senior League on Friday evening. This season has seen armagh excel in these local derbies and see then record significant wins over sides several leagues above our local side. But for some unknown reason these victories were sometimes followed by silly under performances in the crucial Ulster Bank All-Ireland league. As a result Armagh coach, Andy Hughes, had instilled into his team that a sound, constructive attitude was required against his old team, Dungannon!
The game kicked-off in near perfect conditions and within three minutes play the referee had penalised Dungannon for a rucking offence right in front of the visiter’s posts. Andrew Magowan quickly opened the scoring and when Dungannon again strayed off-side he logged another 3 points on to the score board. Armagh’s opening try came as a result of Neil Faloon picking up from the back of a five metre scrum. Again Magowan was on target to keep adding to Dungannon’s concerns. James Morton then scored a push-over try as the Armagh pack continued to assert their authority. Just before the break, however, Dungannon’s out-half, Jack Milligan kicked a penalty to score the visitor’s only points of the evening.
The second half saw tries from Andrew Willis (2), Willie Martin, Neil Faloon, & Stuart Lester. Andrew Magowan continued to knock over kicks to finish the night off wit a resounding 51-3 victory to Armagh.
Next Saturday sees Armagh play their penultimate game in the All-Ireland League against Richmond. This, Limerick side, currently occupy second bottom spot in the league but held armagh to a draw last season. It cannot be emphasised just how crucial how a home win is required from this fixture! Saturday 11th April sees Armagh travel to Tullamore for the final game in the League. This game promises to be a real nail-biter as Tullamore seem anchored in second spot and with home advantage they will be very hard to shift. It looks like the last few fixtures may well end up like Saturday’s Six Nation’s drama!
