14th December 2007

Armagh returned to league-winning form at Dromore last Friday evening when they hammered the Co. Down team. They scored 6 tries in the process, therefore securing the all important bonus point.

It was entirely a second half performance, since Armagh were 13-07 down at the break. So they gathered themselves together at half-time and proceeded to win the second half 27-05, crossing the line for 5 tries in the process. Having secured the bonus point the Armagh side are firmly focused on a top four position in the league table.

Armagh were not allowed to show their dominance in the forwards, either in the scrums or line-outs. It was not surprising, therefore, that 4 of the 6 tries were credited to the backs.

The wind, having played such an important factor in recent games, was not so strong here, although Armagh were probably glad to have it behind them in the second half. Several changes were evident in the Armagh selection. Ally Birch turned out in the centre in place of Alistair Redpath and Joe Clarke came into the back row. Richard Morton was hooker and Connor O’Neill made a rare appearance at prop.

Armagh started well but a good break by Peter Elliot was spoiled by a knock-on. Dromore took the lead with a penalty after 12 minutes but Armagh hit back with a splendid try.

Good passing by the Armagh backs gave Stuart Lester possession on the half-way line and he proceeded to beat four Dromore players as he proceeded to score what may well have been the try of the night.

Johnny Steenson converted to put Armagh 07-03 ahead.

Dromore closed the gap with a penalty and then took advantage of an interception on half-way to score a try at the posts, which was converted to give the home team a 13-07 lead. The line-out was not working as well as usual for Armagh but one good take was adjudged to be from a crooked throw.

Armagh started the second half with a major task in hand. Johnny Allen made a beautiful break and passed the ball to Chris Black who crossed the line for a fine try. Johnny Steenson converted to give the visitors a 14-13 lead.

Ally Birch followed a kick through but was rather unfortunate with the bounce. Armagh were attacking very well by now and Steenson cut through to score at the posts to make the conversion simple and bring the score to 21-13.

The Armagh forwards now put in a good drive and Joe Clarke went in for a good try, securing the all-important bonus point. The conversion was the only one missed by Steenson all night. The score at 26-13 was showing that the game was going well for Armagh.

Johnny Allen was having a very influential game and it was no surprise when he made good ground to send Davy Martin over for a try which Steenson converted to bring the score to 33-13.

Dromore, however, struck back with a try following a cross-kick. This was unconverted but it brought the score to 33-18.

Chris Black made a beautiful interception on half-way and sprinted in for a try, his second on the night, at the Dromore posts. Steenson converted with the last kick of the match to leave the result at 40-18.

Joe Clarke had a very strong game for Armagh making selection for the back-row now even more difficult. The line-outs, which have been such a potent Armagh weapon, did not function well. The Dromore pack, to large extent, controlled things up front.

Some work on the training nights will need to be done before the next league fixture.