18th October 2008

Armagh duly moved on in last Saturday’s quarter finals of the Powerade Provincial Towns Cup at Limavady when they beat the local side 08-40. They scored the customary four tries in the process but since this was not a league match bonus points are not an issue. The continued superiority and the ability to score will, no doubt, build Armagh’s confidence as they try to overtake Portadown at the top of the Qualifying League and at the, same time, try to bring cups back to Armagh.

The next League game is played on Friday night at the Palace Grounds when, at 8-00pm they play against Omagh. This fixture is of vital importance to both teams. Omagh are in trouble propping up the bottom of the league table while Armagh are seeking vital league points in their remaining league games. With this in mind it should be remembered that Armagh won the corresponding game 42-10 in their first league game of this season.

Armagh were unable to field a full-strength side since Alistair Redpath was injured and Adam Gowing was unavailable. The versatile Johnny Allen was moved into the centre and Chris Black came in at out-half.

The wing position was given to Eddie Irwin, brought up from the Under 18’s in a very interesting selection.

A very successful move it turned out to be when the young winger showed exceptional pace, and was unfortunate not to have scored a try on his debut.

On a bright, sunny, windless afternoon Armagh took the lead quickly with a Johnny Steenson penalty after only 2 minutes. Indeed, Steenson’s kicking, both from hand and kicking tee was an important feature of the game. He contributed half of Armagh’s points with 4 penalties and 4 conversions.

Limavady hit back with a drop-goal but Steenson regained the lead with a penalty to bring the score to 03-06. Shortly after this James Morton went in for a try which was converted to put the visitors into a comfortable 03-13 lead. By now Armagh were imposing immense pressure in the scrums resulting on Armagh being awarded a penalty which Steenson popped over!

The novice winger, Irwin, made good ground down his wing but when he kicked over his marker he was tackled late resulting in another penalty being awarded to Armagh. This appeared rather lenient as a try was definitely on the cards for Irwin. Unfortunately, the penalty kick went wide but it was from both a wide angle and a long distance. This meant that Armagh led 03-19 at half-time.

Stuart Lester fielded a ball well inside his 22 and passed to Johnny Allen who then ran in a splendid try from 60 metres, bearing several defenders in the process.

The touch-down was at the posts which made the conversion a formality. Armagh now led by 03-26.

A completely different variety of try came next when some good passing led all the way down the field to send second row, Brian Bassett, in for a great team try. Limavady then scored their only try of the game to bring the score to 08-33.

Davy Martin came on as sub for Jamie Cornett and promptly scored the final try of the game. As it was under the posts Johnny Steenson’s conversion was another formality.

The coach made another interesting substitution when he brought on Noel George, another Under 18’s player, to replace Ali Birch. From this point in the game the Armagh pack took control and only for the final whistle there would have been a much bigger score. Indeed, the backs are now running with much greater confidence and passing has improved immensely.