Armagh edge Banbridge
In a game that was played in atrocious weather conditions, Armagh 2’s moved up another place in the second fifteen league after a 10-3 away victory over Banbridge 2’s. A Matthew Steenson Penalty and a converted Paul Campbell try was enough to see off a resilient Banbridge side in an error prone game. Armagh received the kick off with the wind at their backs and were put under immediate pressure in their own 22 from the strong Banbridge pack. Solid defence from the away side forced Banbridge into an error and Steenson was able to clear the lines. As the half progressed, the weather conditions worsened as the rain and wind made playing conditions extremely difficult. Once again Armagh were able to capitalise from Banbridge errors this time being awarded with a penalty which Steenson confidently converted in front of the posts giving Armagh a 3-0 lead.
Again from the restart Armagh were put on the back foot with some impressive Banbridge counter rucking but again the Armagh defence were able to force turnovers from the home team. From a scrum Armagh were rewarded a penalty for deliberate wheeling. This give Steenson the opportunity to knock the ball down into the opposition 22. From this, Banbridge moved the ball across their backs. Good pressure from Paul Campbell caused his opposite number to spill the ball with Paul first to react and hack the ball towards the try line. Making light of the conditions, he gathered the ball to touch down in the corner for a well earned try. A beautifully struck conversion from Steenson saw Armagh go into the break leading 10-0.
With Armagh playing into the wind and torrential rain in the second half , they knew they would have to keep the ball in hand and withstand heavy Banbridge pressure. This proved to be the case as the Armagh pack rose to the challenge and were able to win more possession. This combined with excellent defence, the Armagh side from 1 to 15 were outstanding. Gareth McNeice, Joe Coventry and Joe Clarke, were aggressive in the loose and Zac Kneebone playing out of position at scrum half handled the conditions well. Full credit to Michael Thompson and Matthew McSorley for making their senior rugby debuts in such trying conditions. Armagh held the home side to a solitary penalty in the second half to end up 10-3 winners.
