Match Report Ballynahinch 14 City of Armagh 0
City of Armagh played their final fixture in this season’s SONI Ulster Senior League against Ballynahinch on Wednesday evening at Ballymacarn Park.
Armagh were missing five players from the team that had an inflicted a heavy defeat on City Derry the previous week so the squad knew they would have to raise their game against their Division 1A opponents.
Conditions were near perfect as Armagh kicked off and both teams were seen to be keen to run the ball at every opportunity. On six minutes, a penalty against Armagh for not releasing in the tackle was converted by the Hinch winger to open their account for the evening. A try for the home team looked certain on ten minutes as they stormed into the Armagh 22 but a great turnover by the visiting pack relieved the danger.
The game was evenly balanced with Armagh causing their more senior opponents plenty of concerns as they attached the home defence. A penalty to Armagh on 28 minutes was narrowly wide following a great turnover by Willie Martin and a darting run from Josh Morton.
A great chance of an Armagh try was missed when Morton, unmarked on the wing, did not receive the ball and the opportunity was lost. The half time whistle went with Ballynahinch holding on to a narrow 3 – 0 lead and the visiting supporters were delighted with their team’s first half performance.
Five minutes into the second half Ballynahinch converted a straight forward penalty to stretch their lead to 6 – 0. Two minutes later, the home team scored a try after creating an overlap on the left wing and scored by number 6 Madden, who retired injured in the process. The conversion was missed and Ballynahinch now led 11 – 0.
At the end of the third quarter, Josh McKinley received a yellow card and the resultant penalty in front of the Armagh posts gave the home team a more comfortable 14 point lead. The visiting team found themselves defending more in the second half and unfortunately Ballynahinch gained total dominance at scrum time limiting possession for Armagh.
With ten minutes remaining John Faloon made a great break out of defence and took play into the Hinch half. The final pass went astray however and Ballynahinch cleared the danger through former Armagh player Manihera Eden.
The match was heading to a close with Armagh still competing well and attacking at every opportunity. In the final minute captain Neil Faloon received a yellow card but the home team were unable to turn their ample possession into points and the referee blew for full time with the final score, 14 – 0 to Ballynahinch.
Overall a very creditable performance from the Armagh team against their illustrious opponents and the coaching team were pleased with the squad players stepping up to the mark and the whole team playing with great spirit.
Armagh’s next match is on Easter Saturday at home to Greystones in the All Ireland League, their final home fixture of the season so plenty of support is requested.
