ARMAGH 3rd’s 34 BALLYCLARE 3rd’s 24
Armagh thirds welcomed Ballyclare to the Palace Grounds on Saturday afternoon. After suffering a defeat at the hands of neighbours, Portadown, last week the team all knew well that they had a big task on their hands and needed a win to keep their hopes of winning the league alive.
Armagh kicked off into the wind and straight from the kick-off Ballyclare’s intentions were more than clear. They made use of the stiff breeze putting a kick deep into armagh territory. Strong running though, from Luke Crozier, set up Mark Curley who ran in the first try of the day. Kyle Faloon converted to put Armagh 5-0 ahead. Ballyclare ,however, responded with a catch and drive try and adde another try shortly after. To add to Armagh’s woes their defender ,Crozier,earned himself ten minutes in the sin bin. a phase of some fine open play from both sides followed. This lead to a penalty from Kyle Faloon to leave the half-time score at 10-12.
Some serious words fro the Armagh captain saw the home side emerge into the second half with some well sett service to their backs saw Scott Armstrong score a try in his first game. Again Ballyclare gave away a penalty which Kyle Faloon landed to put the score to 20-12.
Some strong running from the Armagh forwards brought play up to the Ballyclare line where they were awarded a 5 metre scrum which let armagh number 8, Phill Mills, pick up from the base of the scrum and feed the ball to hard running, Matthew Campbell, who scored by carrying two Ballyclare defenders over with him to the touch-down. Ballyclare responded with a try to put the score to 27-19.
Armagh’s response was to see Kyle Faloon set off from inside his own half to touch down under the Ballyclare posts. His conversion brought the score up to 34-10.
Ballyclare finished off the day with a consolation try but Armagh finished off two points clear in their League.
The boys just hope to up their performance in the cup semi-final. The Club Thirds would greatly appreciate as much support on the touch-line next Saturday as possible as it promises to be an entertaining game.
