26th November 2007

Armagh were unable to field a full-strength side, with full-back Johnny Steenson unavailable and Alan Redpath still side-lined with a knee injury. Adam Gowing went to full-back and Chris Black came in at out-half. The pack remained unchanged.

While the rain stayed away there was a strong wind from the Friary end, which Armagh were able to utilize in the first half.

Portadown had all the early possession and they showed from the start their willingness to use their three-quarter line.

Chris Black was yellow-carded early on and Adam Gowing came up to out-half. Portadown scored a try in 15 minutes and added the vital conversion to lead 07-0.

Gowing then gave Armagh hope with a penalty but Portadown kept up the pressure, putting penalty kicks down to the corner flag, in face of the wind. However, Armagh’s Ally Birch scored a try at the posts after some great forward handling.

The conversion gave Armagh the lead at 10-07. This lead seemed to encourage Armagh to take up the attack but one good movement ended with a penalty being awarded to Portadown under their posts. Ethan Allen had to put in a superb tackle to stop a certain try by the Portadown winger.

Armagh, who continued to make good use of the stiff breeze, kept up the pressure in the corner but were unable to capitalise with any points. the half time score at 10-07.

They began the second half with Adam Gowing landing a long penalty to bring the lead to 13-07. To add to Portadown’s problems they had a penalty kick rebound off a post leaving Eddie Orr to run the ball back to safety.

The Portadown scrum was going well and giving the home side some problems.

Johnny Allen had a great run down the centre of the field but Portadown regained possession.

Eventually Portadown scored their second try at the posts and took an easy conversion.

This also gave them a narrow 14-13 lead.

A long penalty attempt from Gowing proved to be just outside his range as it fell short.

Joe Clarke came on as substitute for Ally Birch. Armagh worked hard in the right corner to gain one of their famous catch and drive tries but they were held out so Armagh had to concede defeat.

The Armagh scrum was not dominant, as it has been on so many occasions, and their line-out did not command things, Although James Morton did steal one ball. The backs did not threaten as much as the opposition, although Johnny Allen was forever trying to force his way through. A sad day for Armagh on the field but easier games lie ahead.

* - photograph by Colin Heyburn