DUNGANNON 17 ARMAGH rugby 30
Saturday saw Armagh make the short trip to Dungannon to play their eighth fixture in the Ulster Senior League. Having defeated Ballymena 9-16 in the League last Saturday Armagh were in good spirits and were seen to be hungry for league points. Having defeated Dungannon in the fixture last season Dungannon were keen to put on a good show in front of their home crowd. The fixture had been arranged for the second’s from each club to play with an early kick-off. Armagh seconds had narrowly defeated Dungannon 16-18 which left the Armagh senior side the additional challenge ‘to step up to the plate.’
Armagh kicked off into a biting wind & with a low sun in their eyes. Neither of these features halted the visitors; however, as left winger, Josh Morton, went in to score Armagh’s first try after only a minute’s play. The conversion went wide but already Armagh took on the appearance of a side that were keen to win. From the re start Armagh were penalized for a rucking infringement and when the kick at posts went awry it appeared as though Dungannon were not going to score many points from the kicking aspect. Ten minutes into the game saw some lacklustre defending from the Armagh side which let Dungannon score in the left corner. Again the conversion went wide of the mark.
Directly from the re-start full-back Steenson made a determined break which brought play to within five metres of the score-line. This led to James McCall breaking from the base of a ruck to score just right of the posts. This time Dylan Ferreira’s conversion was on target to bring the score to 5-12. Again, straight from the restart, Armagh were seen to take control of the game when Scrum-half, Doyle made a fine break from the base of a scrum. He brought play well inside the Dungannon ‘22’ where Dungannon were penalized for not releasing the tackled player. Again the kick was on target to raise the score to 5-15. Scrum-half, Doyle, made another break to again bring the play inside the Dungannon’22’. This time the pressure on the home side was relieved when Armagh were penalized for diving into a ruck. At this stage, Armagh suffered a set back when out-half Dylan Ferreira was forced to leave the field with a nasty gash above his left eye. Andrew Winder moved into his position and Eddie Irwin came on from the bench. Just before the break left winger Andrew Willis put in a fine try to bring the score to 5-20 at the break.
At the break the referee declined to permit Dylan return to the game so he was forced to spectate the second half from the bench.
Dungannon started the second half with some spirited play and when they were awarded a penalty they chose to kick for the corner touch option. From the resultant line-out Armagh were seen to struggle and went on to lose a scrum against the head. A second scrum saw Dungannon awarded a penalty try which narrowed the score to 12-20.
Certainly in the open play Armagh were regaining control of the game with concerted breaks from Andrew Winder and Harry Doyle breaking open the Dungannon defence. The Dungannon front row was penalized for failing to bind which led to Steenson putting another three points on the board. Again Dungannon were penalized for a rucking infringement and again, Doyle took a tap penalty which led to him gaining over fifteen metres bringing Armagh right back into the Dungannon 22. Again the Dungannon front row were penalized for incorrect binding. Indeed, Armagh had the home side pinned inside their own 22 for most of the second half. This pressure was rewarded when Josh Morton broke through the line and passed to Johnny Allen who touched down for the bonus point try after seventy minutes play. Steenson’s conversion brought the score to 12-30.
Against the run of play Dungannon managed to bring play into the Armagh half from the restart only to see their tight head prop receive a yellow card for an off the ball incident. Due to the unavailability of a substitute prop the remainder of the game was played with uncontested scrums.
In the dying minutes of the game Armagh were penalized for a rucking offence. This, in turn, led to Dungannon scoring a try. The conversion barely got across the goal line to leave the final score at 17-30.
The afternoon certainly went Armagh’s way with them winning both games. The first fifteen travel to Ards on January 12th to play another Ulster Senior League fixture.
Armagh seconds take derby spoils.
Armagh seconds travelled to Dungannon last Saturday to play a derby 2nd xv league game against the local seconds. With an early kick off to facilitate the 1st xv game at 2 30 the teams kicked off in sunny conditions. Armagh put the home team under pressure in the early stages however, the visitors were penalised twice in successive scrums deep in Dungannon territory. Armagh were first to register on the score board with a penalty converted by Steenson after some good interplay, 3 – 0 to Armagh. With the forwards battling hard to gain possession, the halfback pairing of Matty Wright and Matthew Steenson dictated play and moved the ball at every opportunity utilising the pace of Eddy Irwin and Robbie McGowan on the wings. Armagh tried to gain good field position, however a combination of playing into a stiff breeze and the Dungannon back three returning Armagh’s hopeful kicks with interest, play remained in the middle of the pitch. Dungannon scored a converted try after their second row forward ran in from the 22, following this up with another on 35 minutes, 14 – 3 to Dungannon. Armagh scored a try of their own just on half time after Steenson kicked into open space for Eddie Irwin to chase and collect for a try under the posts. Converted by Steenson, Armagh were back in the game, 14 – 10 to Dungannon. After a stern team talk from coach David Eakin, Armagh restarted with the breeze at their backs and immediately took play into the home 22 through good work by Stuart Lester. Shortly after, with Captain David Martin, Paddy Steed and Philip Hooks picking and driving, Dungannon were penalised and Steenson narrowed the gap to one point, 14 – 13 to Dungannon. After another backline move initiated by the impressive Timmy McNeice, Davy Martin drove forward only to be tackled into touch at the corner flag. The lineout was lost and Dungannon cleared their lines. Armagh kept their patience and were awarded another penalty in front of the posts again converted by Steenson to edge into the lead, 16 – 14 to Armagh. Dungannon always looked dangerous and created overlaps which had Armagh’s defence scrambling at times. Steenson went off injured and Armagh finished the game attacking in the home 22. With time up Matty Wright kicked the ball dead to give Armagh a derby victory. This was a very scrappy performance which highlighted issues which can only be addressed by the players showing more commitment to attending training nights.
