Armagh seconds played Belfast Harlequins seconds in an Ulster 2nd xv league fixture on Saturday at the Palace Grounds on a fine sunny afternoon. With several changes to the line up from the previous week, Armagh received the ball from the kick off and immediately knocked on. This gave ‘Quinns’ some early possession which initiated several attacking phases to test the Armagh defence. On 15 minutes after good forward pressure from Simon Carlisle and James Johnston, with Brian Bassett drove over from 5 metres out to score at the posts. With the conversion by Matthew Steenson Armagh led 7-0. Shortly after, Steenson went in for a good score created by the backs, again converted brought the score to 14-0. By now the home team had hit form and 2 tries followed in the next 5 minutes, the first from Ethan Allen after a clearance kick was charged down. Gathering the loose ball, he beat 3 defenders to score single headedly. The conversion by Steenson brought the score to 21-0. The next try was scored by Timmy McNeice after more good handling by the backs, again this was converted 28-0. Just before half time, Gareth McNeice made a 30 metre break supported by Simon Cuttle and Steenson. With play now at the corner flag, Robbie Faloon dived over to touch down. Half time score 33-0.
The second half kicked off with Quinns under more pressure as Armagh continued to enjoy the firm running conditions. Matthew Steenson, scored his second try after some good continuity play from Bassett, Willy Hill and Faloon 40-0. Timmy McNeice scored his second try after a strong run by Andrew Willis converted by Steenson 47-0. By now there were gaping holes in the Quinn’s defence with Stephen Morton setting off on a run from the half way line to score at the posts 54-0. The final score came from Johnny Clarke who showed great determination to stretch over at the posts for another converted try 61-0. The referee, who had been carrying a leg injury, blew up 20 minutes early. This was another excellent performance from the 2s and even with the changes the players stepping up maintained the same high standard we have come to expect.
