22nd September 2007

Armagh’s long awaited return to Portadown ended in huge disappointment for the visitors last Saturday when the Portadown won the Qualifying League match 25-19. Armagh took an early lead 9-0 with a stiff breeze at their backs but the hosts took the lead at half time 10-9. Armagh rallied in the second half to level the scores 16-16 but three penalties gave the home side the result they wanted at 25-19. In fact, a converted try from Armagh’s late attacks could well have turned things around. Under the new regulations Armagh take a bonus point home from the game as a result of losing the game by a 7 point margin. This point could well be of great importance as the season moves on.

However, Armagh did win this league last season after suffering a similar away defeat, (at Enniskillen), so one loss is not a disaster.

The scoring was interesting. Each side scored one try, both being converted and each side kicked two drop-goals, unusual at this level, but Portadown’s four penalties against Armagh’s two made the difference.

The Armagh side have not suffered much from injuries in the past few seasons but things are not good at the moment. In the backs, Johnny Allen’s broken leg continues to keep him out although he is hopeful of a return to action soon. Both Redpaths are injured so the day of an Allen-Redpath three-quarter line are postponed.

The pack suffered as well. Eddie Orr and Connor O’Neill were unavailable and James McCall was injured this required the forwards to be changed around. In addition, injuries during the game hit Armagh hard with Adam Gowing having to be replaced at out-half in the second half.

Another important factor was the stiff breeze from the town end. Armagh had the benefit in the first half but only scored 09 points with the wind and 10 points against it, while Portadown scored 15 points in the second half.

Going’s drop-goal was the first score pf the game for Armagh and Johnny Steenson added his first penalty goal soon afterwards. A second drop-goal from Gowing gave Armagh their widest margin of the game at 0-09.

All the early pressure came from Armagh but they failed to cross the line. Indeed, Portadown’s first attack came much closer to a try. Their first score came from a penalty after 35 minutes.

A good kick down to the corner by Ralf Mercer gave Armagh a line-out but they messed up, and indeed, almost gave Portadown an interception. So Portadown got their try when Armagh were out-numbered down the right wing. A good conversion followed to leave Armagh adrift at 10-09 at half time.

A drop-goal added to Portadown’s lead as they welcomed the wind at their backs. Chris Black saved Armagh when a long kick went down towards the line. Another drop-goal put Portadown 16-9 ahead.

Phill Hill was replaced in the second row by Peter Bassett. Armagh then scored their only try when Garreth Beggs touched down after a good forward maul. A fine conversion by Adam Gowing levelled the scores at 16-16. However, two penalties put Portadown into the lead at 22-16.

A serious blow followed when Gowing had to leave the field injured which led to some complicated replacements. Andrew Morton came on as pop, releasing McConnell to the second row. Chris Black went into out-half and Peter Elliot went out to the wing having had a very impressive game in his first outing in the centre.

Meanwhile Portadown added another penalty to complete their scoring, but Armagh benefited from a good break out to be awarded another penalty. With the score at 25-19 Armagh seemed to realise there was a chance of victory and continued to step up their attacks. An attempted interception by Portadown led to an Armagh penalty at the posts and Armagh went for the line-out in the corner. This tactic has been very fruitful for them in the past. This time it failed to deliver and Armagh had to settle for a single bonus point from the game.

Next Saturday’s fixture against Ballymoney at the Palace Grounds promises to see Armagh resume their winning ways. However, the progress of the injured players will be watched with great concern al week. In spite of the impressive debuts of both Elliot and Bassett the return of the mainstay players is crucial.