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| Armagh 2nd XV (58) vs Clogher Valley 2nd XV (0) |
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13th October 2009
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Armagh seconds played Clogher Valley seconds at the Palace grounds on Saturday. From the drop out Armagh knocked on and from the resulting scrum Clogher Valley had a spell of pressure in the home 22. Stout defence from the Armagh forwards and backs repelled the visitors and when ball was turned over, Armagh brought the ball up field.
After a few forward drives Rory Hanna emerged from a ruck 15metres out and crossed for a try at the posts – conversion by Simon Cuttle. Armagh were now beginning to dominate possession through the forwards and quick hands from the halfbacks Mattie Wright and Simon Cuttle and centres Stanley Hamilton and John Balvert created space out wide.
After more pressure from the forwards Steven Morton took a pass in the Valley 22 and sprinted in for a score wide out. Richard Shilliday was next to score wide out after good interplay on 25 minutes. On 30 minutes Paul Cully bulldozed over in the corner.
Straight from the restart Davy Martin took the dropout and made good yardage through the valley forwards. When stopped the ball was recycled quickly and moved through Mattie Wright and Richard Shilliday to Steven Morton who galloped up field and when faced by the fullback sold an outrageous dummy and then sprinted 30 metres to the line – converted by Andrew knipe. Half time score 29 - 0 to Armagh.
After captain Mattie Wright’s usual firey half time team talk Armagh started the second half in determined fashion by taking play straight up to the Valley line where Steven Morton forced his way over gaining his hat-trick in the process – converted by Knipe. To Clogher Valley’s credit they moved the ball upfield on the restart and spent some time on Armagh’s line with their forwards picking and driving.
Armagh’s defence, well marshalled by captain Wright, held out and when Pete Lamb turned the ball over he sent a great relieving kick some 40 metres downfield for a Valley lineout on the halfway line. Shortly after, one of several great charges by Brian Bassett ably assisted by John Balvert, James Faloon scored in the corner.
There were further scores by Andrew Knipe, James Faloon and John Balvert who showed great determination and pace to score on 73 minutes. At this point the referee blew up early leaving the score at 58-0 and Armagh feeling very satisfied with their performance.
This was a great all round display with good continuity between backs and forwards. With more application on the training field this team is capable of making their return to this league a successful one. |
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