Armagh started the game with a bright sun in their faces and a strong side
wind. CIYMS hit Armagh early with a good break down the right wing, where
they created a two on one and scored in the corner. Armagh secured a lot of
good possession against a large pack, but it took 20 minutes to get a break
through, by the way of Brian Basset crashing down the middle, the ball being
spread wide, resulted in the impressive Rab Straghan crossing the line.
Armagh kept up the pressure on the CIYMS try line, with Rory Hanna and Paul
Cully being stopped just short. Armagh’s pressure resulted in a penalty
which Captain Andy Knipe slotted over with ease. Some good positional
kicking from CIYMS resulted in them getting a good attacking lineout, which
they spread wide and went over for a score 5 minutes before half time, this
time they converted. This was the last time they scored as in the 2nd half
they played into the sun and Armagh took full advantage of this. Matty Allen
hit a good line and popped to Andrew Morton, who put his head down to score
close to the posts, to give Armagh the lead again, with Andy Knipe getting
the conversion. Being only 3 points ahead Armagh were keep to extend their
lead, so with a lift in the tempo the CIYMS defence were in 6s and 7s, when
Stan Hamilton Chipped over the ruck to get a relieving score. The conversion
was missed but the lead was 8 points, so CIYMS stared to run everything,
this played into Armagh’s hands, with Jason McMahon and Gareth Warnock in
fine tackling form, Armagh pinned CIYMS to their own line for the last 20
minutes, with the final break through coming from Mark Laverty, with a
Vintage Mark Laverty move, where he beat 5 players to score a great
individual try. Armagh can be pleased with hard fought win, which keeps
Armagh at joint top in the league. Armagh are at Home in the Quarter Final
of the Forrester Cup next week against Dungannon 4ths. All support welcome,
for what promises to be a mouth watering encounter.
