Photo by Ken Redpath
City of Armagh 2nd XV City of Armagh Seconds travelled to Hatrick Park to play Rainey seconds in a league game on New Year’s eve. Armagh played with the elements in the first half and soon posed a threat to Rainey with an attacking move led by Freddie Cuttle deep in Rainey’s 22 ending with the ball running dead.
Rainey put Armagh under some early pressure, however as in the previous game against Ballynahinch, the defence was well organised with numerous double hits repelling any attacks.
On 14 minutes Mathew Steenson stroked over a 40 metre penalty to put Armagh ahead 3 – 0. With the forwards starting to warm to the task, Steven Morton finished off a forward drive to touch down in the corner and with Steenson’s conversion, Armagh led 10 – 0 after 18 minutes.
Josh Morton came off his wing to break through in the centre and a long pass sent Robbie Faloon away on a run to the corner where he was tackled into touch 2 metres short.
On 25 minutes Simon Cuttle gave a short pass to John Faloon who had cleverly changed his running angle to cut through and score a converted try at the posts. 17 – 0 to Armagh. On the stroke of half time, David Martin finished off a good forward drive from a lineout close in to score an unconverted try. 22 – 0 to Armagh.
Playing up hill and into the wind, Armagh faltered early in the second half when a missed tackle led to a converted try at the posts. 22 – 7 to Armagh. Straight from the restart, Steenson converted a 30 metre penalty into the wind to stretch the lead to 25 – 7.
A period of scrappy play ensued with handling errors from both sides with play confined to the middle of the pitch. With minutes to go before fulltime, Armagh with Gareth McNeice, Will Hill and Jonny Clarke driving deep into Rainey’s half, the ball popped up to Philip Fletcher.
When tackled, he off loaded to Simon Cuttle who strolled in for a converted try at the posts. Although the final score was 32 – 7 to Armagh, the team were at times a bit sluggish in their play, however with the points won, the team maintain second place in the league.
Next up for the team is Civil Service on the 14th of January in the conference league. |
