14th January 2008

Armagh made their way into the second round of the Powerade Towns Cup on Saturday at the Palace grounds when they defeated Banbridge 32-0. It may not have been as memorable as the 50-0 thrashing of Limavady two weeks before but at least it was certainly a big improvement on the performance shown in the AIB cup game against Navan last week.

With home advantage and facing a second’s fifteen Armagh started as firm favourites. It was no surprise when they crossed for 5 tries and kept their opponents scoreless.

Once again, Armagh’s pitches withstood the recent bad weather, unlike our Tyrone neighbours in Dungannon. Several changes were made to the side at selection but once again the new players fitted into the side very well. In the pack, the front row reverted to the recent re-appearance of James Johnston.

The second row proved interesting with two newcomers, Jamie Cornett and Brian Birch, brother of the back row player. In the back row Joe Clarke’s injury gave Davy Martin the opportunity to move to the blind-side flanker position. The replacement half-backs of the previous match started the game on this occasion. On the wing Stuart Lester was able to resume after his leg injury.

The pack had a splendid match, dominating the scrums and line-outs. The backs were not quite so impressive; some handling errors spoiled the generous amount of possession supplied to them.

Once again the inclement weather didn’t affect the rugby, the rain holding off and the wind not interfering at all.

Armagh kicked off and took after only 9 minutes with a penalty from out-half Adam Gowing, who took over the place-kicking duties.

This was the only penalty success of the afternoon, with Armagh preferring to win the game with tries.

They showed this game plan early on when the put in a long penalty down to the left corner. A long maul followed and eventually Ally Birch crossed for the first try, no conversion followed but Armagh led by 08-0.

The Banbridge cause was not helped when they received their first yellow card.

So Armagh persevered with their tactic of kicking to the corner then drive for the line. On this occasion James Johnston was awarded the touch-down, again unconverted.

A penalty awarded to the home side was taken as a scrum and Armagh attempted a push-over try. However, they managed to lose possession but managed to hold Banbridge in the same position. This time Eoghan Curran picked up from the scrum and went over for Armagh’s third try. This, again, went unconverted but gave Armagh an 18-0 lead.

The second half began well for Armagh with a series of good attacks and another yellow card for a Banbridge player. However, this player was a prop and his absence led to uncontested scrums, one of Armagh’s great attacking weapons.

Armagh brought on their two replacements, Ethan Allen for Alistair Redpath and Richard Morton for Davy Martin.

He next try came from the three-quarters when Johnny Allen cut through the centre to score. This time Gowing converted to put Armagh 25-0 ahead.

The Armagh attacks continued but all too often the ball was spilt.

So it was from a Banbridge handling error that Armagh scored their final try.

Richard Morton picked up and went in for the try which was converted on the full-time whistle giving Armagh the final score of 32-0.

This Saturday, 19th January, sees a return to league rugby with the visit of Coleraine to the Palace Grounds, kicking off at 2:30pm. They are like Armagh, competing for a top fourth league position. They suffered a big defeat last Saturday at the hands of Portadown.

The twice-postponed league match away to Coleraine has been re-arranged for Saturday, February 02nd, 2008.

The good news is that this is not a Tuesday night; the bad news is that it coincides with the Ireland-Italy six nation’s game in Croke Park!