04th April 2008

Armagh 2nd XV duly got the reward they deserved against Ballynahinch 4th XV as they ran out winners by 40 points to 05 at the Palace. The victory sealed the League title for Mark Lavery’s team and qualified the team for the forthcoming Harden Cup which they would hope to win.

Against the only team which could prevent them becoming League Champions Armagh started cautiously, perhaps nervous of the prize awaiting them.

Despite some early pressure from the visitors Armagh’s defence held firm and after a few missed opportunities trying to force passes, the home team went into the lead after 18 minutes when a slick move sent Phil McAlister through the visitors defensive line and over for a try which was duly converted by Richard Rainey.

The Fly-half was on target again with a successful penalty some 5 minutes later to stretch Armagh’s advantage, although with the wind at their backs Armagh were still in need of some more points for them to feel comfortable in the second half.

A well worked driving maul from a line out saw Andy Morton touch down. The move of the match, 5 minutes later, saw some superb handling from Con Oliver and fullback Adam Gowing, freeing Josh Morton on the right wing, and he easily beat his opposite number to cross the line.

Both of these two tries were unconverted but a further successful penalty from Rainey left the score at 23-0 in Armagh’s favour at half time. Given the windy conditions Armagh were keen to start the second half positively, and did so when a clever cross kick led to Josh Morton crossing for his second try of the afternoon which was duly converted by Rainey.

Given the windy conditions Armagh were keen to start the second half positively, and did so when a clever cross kick led to Josh Morton crossing for his second try of the afternoon which was duly converted by Rainey.

A determined onslaught from Ballynahinch followed as Armagh sent most of the next 20 minutes in their own half but strong defence and superb tackling held the visitors at bay apart from one score which served to galvanise the Armagh team again.

Determined to finish the League campaign in style, Armagh embarked on an ambitious passage of play with almost every member of the team handling the ball in a move which eventually led to Con Oliver running in from 20 metres for a fine try.

Although the score went unconverted Armagh were not yet finished and with the last move of the match Josh Morton completed an excellent hat trick of tries to leave the final score at 40-5 in Armagh’s favour.

Great credit must go to the 2 ndXV who have won the League playing a very open and attractive style of rugby. Congratulations to captain Mark Lavery and Team Manager Gary Morton for their hard work through the season, hopefully they can cap it by winning the Harden Cup.