20th February 2010

Instonians 3s and Armagh seconds served up an entertaining game at the Shaws Bridge in this Junior 1 League encounter. 9 tries were scored in total – 8 by Armagh.

Armagh exerted early pressure and were rewarded when Simon Cuttle kicked over a penalty after 3 minutes. 5 minutes later and after a successions of phased possession Pete Lamb crashed over to make the score 8-0.  Inst fought back and after a 10 minute spell in the Armagh 22 were rewarded with their own try to make the score 8-5.

But Armagh responded again when after showing good composure in the Inst 22 for several phases Steven Morton broke though earning his side a deserved try. The conversion however was missed to leave the score at 13-5. Inst responded again and earned 2 penalties to make the half time score 13-8.

The second half was one way traffic as Armagh upped the tempo and scored 40 unanswered points. From the kick off David Martin broke out of his own 22 to make a superb 60m break up the middle of the pitch. When the Inst full made the tackle, Armagh showed good composure to re-cycle and spin the ball wide to John Faloon who marked his return with a try. Cuttle converted and to make the score 20-11.

Armagh’s defence was tested for the next 5mins however their resilience forced Inst into a speculative kick which well fielded by Robert Dodds. He fed Stuart Lester in his own half who scored a great individual try when a rounded 4 Inst defenders and scorched through for an impressive try. Cuttle provided the extras for 27-11. From the next kick off Paul Cully and Richard Morton then went on a charge who in turn fed winger Mark Laverty.

The now veteran winger showed he could still finish when he rounded his marker and touched down in the corner. Cuttle again converted to bring the tally up – 34 -11. Next score of the game came from another Lester counter attack and with Dodds on his shoulder he touched down under the posts. Cuttle converted to make the score 41 -11.

Armagh’s captain Simon Cuttle then led by example when he was next to break through to score under the posts. This time Dodd’s converted the try to make it 48-11. Young centre Mark Allen then rounded off a great team performance when he scored the final try. On this the referee ended the game.

Final Score – 53-11.