Belfast Harlequins RFC Notes: II XV v City Of Armagh RFC II XV: Conference League

Saturday 3rd March saw Quins 2’s restart their 2 XV Senior League campaign with an away fixture at the Palace Grounds Armagh against an inform Armagh 2nd XV currently sitting in second place in the league.

Quins suffering a number of unavailable players due to injury were further hit before they left Deramore with two players unavailable to play for personal reasons but well done to their Manager Barry Dowling, for filling these places and to the players who helped out.

The game started off well for Quins showing their forward pressure in attack forcing a knock on and resultant penalty from the scrum which unfortunately was missed.

After the restart the Quins right wing suffered a hamstring injury but remained on the field but was unable to run after any kicks or defend, Armagh exploited this and put pressure on the visitors, at the same time the referee informed both sides he had an injury but would keep going as long as possible, hopefully finishing the game.

The young Armagh side moved the ball well and Quins were unable to fill the space on the pitch resulting in a 33 – 0 halftime score.

The second half started badly for Quins with their openside flanker PK McKee receiving a cheek injury and going down leaving more space in defence which was impossible to cover.

After treatment he returned to the match to be followed by Quins centre Andy Balmforth receiving a serous shoulder injury causing him to be remove from the pitch and to Hospital.

The referee spoke to both captains and it was agreed to end the game early as there was no way back for the visitors and the referee’s own injury.

Thanks must go to Armagh officials who helped out with Quins injured player and for supplying an excellent meal afterwards.
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