City Of Armagh RFC Notes: II XV Win Local Derby

Armagh seconds met Dungannon seconds on Saturday in their last 2nd xv league game of the season. The game started with Dungannon receiving the ball from the dropout and quickly showed their intent by moving it out wide. The Armagh backs marshalled by Jonny and Ethan Allan made the tackles to clear any early danger. Play was confined to the middle of the park as both teams cancelled each other out, however it was apparent at this stage that Armagh had the edge in the scrums. On 17 minutes when Dungannon had a defensive scrum 5 metres out, the Armagh pack surged forward to turnover ball. Freddie Cuttle flashed the ball out to Ethan Allen who powered over close to the posts. Matthew Steenson converted for a 7-0 lead. A determined Dungannon took the inititive and kept possession of the ball for a period of time. On 25 minutes Dungannon converted a penalty awarded for hands in the ruck to bring the score to 7-3. Another opportunity for Dungannon was missed shortly after, however Matthew Steenson restored the margin for Armagh early in the second half with a 35 metre penalty 10-3. Dungannon closed the gap again with another penalty on 60 minutes 10-6. With Brian Bassett, Steven Morton and Gareth McNeice leading the forward charges, and the backs with Willis, Faloon and Simon Cuttle prominent, Armagh worked their way into the Dungannon 22. From a ruck ball, Freddie Cuttle darted through a gap and beat the fullback to touch down at the posts. Conversion by Steenson 17-6. With the game slipping away from them Dungannon, attacked from far out into Armagh’s 22 and only a good cover tackle from Robbie Faloon saved the day. On 75 minutes with Armagh again in the visitors 22, Brian Bassett showed a good turn of speed after picking up a loose ball to break clear and score a try at the posts. With the conversion by Steenson, the final score was Armagh 24 Dungannon 6. This was another fine performance from the 2s with this result confirming their position as runners up position in the 2nd xv league.