City Of Armagh RFC Notes: II XV 15 v Lisburn RFC I XV REPORT

Seconds defeat Lisburn in Conference League
Armagh seconds entertained Lisburn in a Qualifying 2 conference league game on Saturday. Armagh were able to welcome Ethan Allen back from injury and Gareth McNeice home for the weekend, who played out of position in the backline. Despite very wet ground conditions Lisburn started the game energetically and converted a simple penalty opportunity after 5 minutes, 3 – 0 to Lisburn. It was already apparent at this stage that Armagh were in for a long day come scrum time as Lisburn’s strong pack had Armagh retreating regularily. Only good combining by captain Jonny Clarke and Trevor Girvan at 9 meant that the home side were still able to get the ball out to the backline. Andrew Knipe replied with a penalty some minutes later to make the score 3 – 3. In the loose it was becoming a fascinating battle as Armagh’s not inconsiderable pack give Lisburn as good as they got much to Lisburn’s surprise. Armagh spent some time defending in their 22 which ended with the Lisburn winger dropping the ball just short of the try line. Approaching half time a good counter attack initiated by Jamie Monaghan with a jinking run supported by Robert Straghan brought play into the opposition 22. From a lineout Armagh rumbled towards the try line with Clarke getting the vital touch down. With the conversion added by Knipe, Armagh lead 10 – 3 at the interval. Lisburn restarted the game with renewed determination and from the dropout a melee ensued which resulted in a player being sin binned from each side. The game continued to flow from end to end with the Armagh forwards led by Bassett, Ackum and Willie Martin to the fore. The Armagh lineout was dominant throughout the game with Gareth Warnock’s accurate darts and some sublime steals by Jamie Haughey. On 55 minutes good pressure in Lisburn’s 22 led to a good try after a drive for the line by Andrew, well supported by Allen and John Fletcher, 15 – 3 to Armagh. Lisburn fought back strongly and scored two unconverted tries to bring the final score to 15 – 13. This was a good win by the seconds as Lisburn were a well drilled side and only some determined defending kept the line intact in the first half.