31st March 2007

Armagh's first away trip in the All Ireland play-offs ended in great disappointment on Saturday when they were soundly defeated by Naas 31-15. They could scarcely complain, although the last seven points came on the stroke of full-time. Armagh started very strongly and even scored the first try to lead briefly but then the visitors seemed to take their eyes off the target. It was Naas, however, who took command and went on to register their second victory and log up a bonus point. This must make them favourites to replace Portadown in The All-Ireland League.

Armagh, on the other hand, face another journey south next Saturday to play Crosshaven. The Cork side won 14-06 when the teams met in the All-Ireland Junior Cup in February. Crosshaven have, however, lost both of their games in the play-offs. A win in Munster would see Armagh travel to City of Derry for a play-off for the remaining senior place.

Another result of Armagh's phenomenally successful season now rears its head, in the form of fixture congestion. Armagh and Coleraine have similar problems in that both sides have vitally important all Ireland matches to play in the south, whereas they are scheduled to play against each other in an Ulster Junior Cup quarter final. However, the two clubs, with the Ulster Branch, have agreed for the game to be played in Armagh on Tuesday 17th April with 8:00pm KO.

For the Naas game the Armagh coach made an interesting change at full-back, bringing in Stanley Hamilton, and moving Johnny Steenson to out-half. James McCall returned to flanker position.

A strong breeze favoured Armagh in the first half and they began well when Eddie Orr charged-down a defensive kick from the Armagh kick-off.

This gave Armagh good attacking position but in spite of good line-out pressure no score resulted.

Steenson and Johnny Allen combined well but Armagh's closest approach to a score was a penalty kick by Steenson which rebounded off an upright. Naas had taken 15 minutes to get into the Armagh half.

Armagh were putting penalties down into the corner and were finally rewarded when James Johnston touched-down for a try after a line-out. Once again Steenson's kick bounced off an up-right.

A quick tap penalty by Naas gave them a kick down field but Armagh were saved by a good fly-kick by Hamilton. Two blows were to follow for Armagh – Naas scored a converted try and Steenson went off injured. However, while Steenson soon returned, Naas scored another converted try to lead by 14-05.

Stephen Auld came on at scrum-half while Eoghan Curran went out to the centre position. Naas were attacking more strongly now and Stuart Lester had to cover well in the corner. Naas began the second half in dramatic fashion, their backs handling well to score a third try, converted, to give them a comfortable lead of 21-05.

With the strong breeze behind them they tried a drop-goal from far out but it went wide. The Armagh line-out was as reliable as usual and Davy Martin stole a Naas ball.

He followed up with Armagh's second try, The try was converted to close the gap to 21-12.

Steenson then put over a beautifully controlled penalty kick to close the gap to 21-15.

A late tackle on Steenson earned a penalty for Armagh but he missed this kick.

Naas were awarded a penalty which they put over.

Andrew Morton replaced Connor O'Neill. Eddie Orr put in two strong runs and nearly scored from one. Steenson was replaced by Alan Whitcroft and Richard Shilliday replaced Brian McConnell.

A literally last minute try at the posts followed good passing gave Naas their fourth score to bring the final score to 31-15. The score may have rather flattered the Kildare side but nevertheless they did deserve the win.

Armagh will need to up their game on Saturday in Cork and all hope that at least one of their injured backs recover in time.