[youtube H7HmzwI67ec]
Armagh were deserving winners of this meeting of the two sides at Gibson Park.Their coach Andy Hughes was pleased with the professionalism of his team as they contained a Malone side that lacked the creativity to outsmart his well organised team. There may be two divisions between the two teams in the AIL, but it was County Armagh side who dominated the forward exchanges with the inexperienced Malone front five given a lesson in set piece play by their experienced opponents. After a bright start by Armagh, Malone exerted pressure through forwards Ben Alexander, Ross Todd and Ben McDonnell with nothing to show for their efforts. On thirty mins Armagh centre Manihera Eden missed a straight forward penalty to open the scoring. Malone responded with McDonnell making a strong break that came to nothing. Armagh second row Stephen Morton was to fall victim to a yellow card by referee Jonnny Erskine after an infringement at the breakdown. Malone pressure forced a penalty for winger Neil Burns to give his team a 3 – 0 lead. With Armagh centre Manihera Eden orchestrating their attacks it was no surprise when they took the lead on the halftime whistle. First of all hooker Andrew Smyth was held up over the line. From an earlier infringement play was brought back to the front of the posts. Armagh opted for the scrum with their forwards driving the Malone pack back for their impressive number 8 Neil Faloon to touch down with Eden adding the points for a well deserved 7 – 3 lead.
Malone may have had plenty of possession in the second half but they failed to penetrate the well organised Armagh defensive line with the experienced Seamus Mallon outstanding. The set piece was continually exploited by the Armagh front five with loose head Simon Carlile catching the eye with his powerful scrummaging. The pressure told with Eden adding another penalty to increase his teams lead to 10 -3. Both coaches made use of their bench as the Armagh side sensed a famous victory. Malone had chances only for the Armagh forwards to disrupt the home sides line out and turn over ball. It was no surprise when the Armagh team were able to extend their lead. They forced several scrums close to the Malone line with the referee left with no alternative other than to award a penalty try. Eden added the points to increase his sides lead to 17 – 3. Both sides were committed in the final fifteen mins with Malone never threatening to unlock the well organised Armagh defence. Coach Andy Hughes was delighted with the performance of his players as they prepare for a crucial AIL match at home to Sunday’s Well next Sat. His team currently sit in third place with the top four qualifying to play in the fourth tier of the AIL next season. Malone coach Jacque Benade and his players will use a free weekend to regroup for another must win contest with promotion chasing Dublin Uni on the 31st January.
