30th December 2006

Armagh took two points from the League match at The Palace grounds but it was not an overwhelming victory. Indeed, when Enniskillen were pressing hard in the second half and scored a good try to bring the score to 20-15, things looked very ominous for the home team and supporters.

This, after all, was the team which inflicted on Armagh their only defeat of the season and the danger of a double did loom suddenly! In fact, Armagh for the second week in succession had a poor game against a team from the bottom section of the league.

At least, any ideas of over confidence in travelling to Larne for the first round of the Town's Cup on Saturday were firmly knocked on the head.

However, it was somewhat disturbing to see the Armagh scrum in some disarray. Normally, this is one of Armagh 's strongest weapons and to have good possession spoiled was sad to see.Enniskillen wheeled the scrums very effectively, especially in the second half.

The driving maul from line-outs worked very well, however, and remains as on of Armagh 's best scoring opportunities.

It was perhaps surprising to see so much ball-kicking to touch when Armagh 's backs are capable of so much penetrative running.

Certainly the absence of Johnny Allen through injury contributed to the backs lacklustre performance. Some slack tackling and back-chat to the referee did not help things.

Once again, the weather stayed fine, unlike the days before and after. In addition to Johnny Allen's absence Jason McMahon replaced Connor O'Neill at prop and Joe Clarke came in at second row for Brian McConnell. Chris Black was the wing replacement for Johnny Allen.

The first try was a fine solo effort from scrum-half Stephen Auld. He took a long throw from a line-out 23 metres out and went in for a try under the posts. This was converted by Johnny Steenson, who added a penalty soon afterwards.

Enniskillen were unlucky when they charged-down a kick on the Armagh line only to find that Armagh had been awarded a penalty for off-side. Steenson put the clearance kick down to the half-way line.

A 'tap and go' by Auld gave Armagh good position but they spoiled it by losing the ball against the head in the resulting scrum.

Stuart Lester put in a good run but when Alan Whitcroft was given possession his drop-goal attempt went wide.

When Armagh had a long period of possession in the left corner it all came to nothing when they lost the ball to the visitors. A missed penalty by Steenson on the half-time whistle summed up a disappointing half.

However, 10-0 was the score and Armagh soon increased their lead. A penalty kick down to the right corner gave Armagh the chance to use their catch and drive, with James Morton getting the touch-down. A good conversion gave Armagh a 17-0 lead. A good follow-up by James McCall put Armagh back into a strong position and enabled Johnny Steenson to add another penalty, putting Armagh 20 points up. Eddie Orr was replaced by Johnnie Clarke.

Enniskillen scored a try from a scrum in the corner but failed to convert. A penalty to the visitors was made easier for the due back-chatting from Armagh but it went wide. A good mark in full flight by Johnny Steenson saved Armagh as the Fermanagh men pressed hard. They were awarded a penalty and followed up with a good try, helped by poor Armagh tackling, and converted the try to close the gap to 20-15.

Brian McConnell replaced Jason McMahon at prop. Another penalty and back-chat gave Enniskillen a chance but this time they kicked for touch and knocked-on. So it was left to James McCall to save the day when he ran in a good solo try to leave the final score 25-15.

Armagh now awaits the draw this week for the quarter finals of the All-Ireland Junior cup. A home draw would do very nicely!