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| Enniskillen XV (03) vs Armagh XV (30) |
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19th October 2006
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The score line does little to tell of the battle that occurred at Mullaghameen as Armagh made it five in row to take top spot with Dromore in the Kukri Ulster Qualifying One League.
The old adage of a game of two halves didn't even come close as it was pockets of play, interspersed with stunning runs and hard defence.
Trips to Enniskillen have never been easy and this encounter was to be no different. Most of the first twenty minutes was spent in end to end rugby. As soon as one side gained some advantage and made their way into opposition territory, it was quickly taken back when the reverse happened.
Armagh seemed to realise themselves that to get back into the game they would have to play their game. Although they hardly left the Enniskillen half at this stage, it was clear that they were determined not to let the 'Skins' gain any more ground.
The Armagh backs then made excellent pressure from Enniskillen work to their advantage with some solid scrums and cleanly taken line out balls.
This phase of play inevitably allowed the back line to show their handling skills and left Eddie Irwin to run the line virtually unchallenged to score for the first time in two weeks. However with a strong gusty wind into Johnny Steenson's face the conversion was not to be.
At the restart it was Skins who claimed the ball and after a small ruck not cleared up, the referee's arm went up to give Enniskillen the chance to claim some points. But the aforementioned gusty wind didn't allow the home side to capitalise.
Not discouraged by this Enniskillen continued to disrupt Armagh ball and their passage of play culminated in another penalty award. This time the steady boot of Enniskillen number 13 made sure that the ball went over the posts to make it 03-05.
But even though the pressure from Enniskillen was intense, Armagh's tackling was excellent with Peter Elliott making some bone crunching tackles on his opposite number. With that dedication to the tackles the ball was allowed out and the visitors made some first-class back line passes to allow Eddie in for his second try. The try was unconverted and after a lost line out the referee blew for half time to make 03-10.
The second half started in the same ilk as the first with pressure being piled on by Enniskillen, but a well intercepted kick by Johnny Allen showed a glimmer of what was to come, and although a penalty was given for a subsequent infraction the wind took Steenson's kick well wide.
But, Armagh and Johnny Allen wanted a try and neither the team or he were to be disappointed and not long after he crossed the line to rapturous cheers from the traveling support.
It was turning out to be a day for ground work as another conversion kick went with the wind, to give Armagh 3 unconverted tries and the score stood at 03-15.
Skins again applied the pressure to the Armagh scrum and line out although both held firm, but the home side continued to push and push up to the Armagh line. Even after they were given a penalty against for driving down the scrum, they continued in their pursuit of a score.
Armagh tried a new tact with Brian Patterson coming off to allow the returning Hopps into the front row. The Armagh defence as in other games was solid and a well worked Enniskillen move was denied as the referee's decision was that the ball was held up.
Armagh came back from the scrum with some superb ball handling and passing to allow Allen over for his second of the game and Armagh's fourth giving a healthy score line of 03-20.
Another well made double passing move from Manu and Allen saw the restart take the ball back down into Skins territory, and Andrew Willis ran well up the far line for Armagh's fifth. Again the usually precise boot of Steenson was not in force and the conversion was not to be leaving the score line at 03-25.
Another change in the scrum saw Steven Morton come on for the player/coach Andy Hughes. Morton had some big boots to fill to allow the same continuity and pressure that Hughes always brings. He was not to be disappointed and the scrum continued to function as a well oiled machine.
The continued pressure from line out to scrum and then to the backs was duly rewarded as with minutes to go Eddie Irwin was given the ball to run into the corner for his third. It was up to Manu at this late stage in the game to slot the ball between the sticks, but it was not to be and the game ended with all six tries being unconverted.
The final score of 03-30 does not tell the tale of pressure and tenacity brought by Enniskillen to the Orchard men and it is with anticipation that both will undoubtedly watch each others progress until the rematch in the New Year.
Andy Hughes is keen to down play the winning streak that his team are enjoying at the moment, instead looking at every game as their first win.
Next weekend Armagh take on the seasiders of Bangor at their first home game since the City of Derry match and although the supporters are hopeful of yet another win, Hughes just wants a safe win with no injuries. |
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