Armagh Seconds see off Banbridge.
The local second fifteen took another step towards the 2nd xv league title when they comfortably beat Banbridge seconds at the Palace grounds on Wednesday night. The game started off in a scrappy fashion with possession changing hands several times and it was not until the 10th minute that Armagh put several phases together when good play by Kyle Faloon and Luke Crozier put debutant Andrew Winder in for a good score. With Harry Boyd converting, the home side led 7-0. Banbridge competed well in the early stages of the game and it was not until the 25th minute that the back line created another try when Kyle Faloon make a break out wide and off loaded to Pau Gimeno who touched down at the posts for another converted try. The sunny conditions and firm pitch were ideal for running rugby and a further try was added when Neal Lutton took a crash ball for another try at the posts. With Boyd’s conversion, the score was pushed out to 21-0 however Banbridge offered a timely reminder to the home side of their threat when a kick was charged down on the home 10 metre line for the ball to be gathered by the visiting outhalf for a converted try at the posts. 21-7 to Armagh. The home front row of Owen O’Hagan, Andrew Morton and Lutton were providing a solid platform with Stephen Morton and Willie Martin the power to give steady ball to the resurgent Holden at scrum half. Another backline move ended with Kyle Faloon scorching in from half way to leave the halftime score 28-7. With coaches David Eakin’s and Wille Faloon promptings, the team kicked off the second half with renewed vigor and on 43 minutes quick ball from Holden sent Pau on his way with Winder receiving the final pass for his second try of the game, 35-7 to Armagh. The backrow of Simms, Kennedy and McNeice were sound in defence and put in much good work in the loose creating several turnovers in the process. Banbridge had a spell of pressure with them carrying the ball up to the Armagh line. Good defence aided by a Banbridge knock on saw Armagh clear their lines and race back up the pitch. Good interplay by Kyle and Pau created an overlap for Glen Faloon to go over at the posts for a converted try. Winder added his third, another unconverted try to his tally to push the score to 47-7. Straight from the restart Crozier took a crash ball at pace on the halfway line and finished off at the posts for Boyd to convert. Banbridge were not finished and to their credit after forward pressure on Armagh’s line, an unconverted try was scored to leave the final score 54-12 to Armagh. Another good result for the seconds which leaves them to focus on the last game of the season on Wednesday night away to Malone (7.45 KO) where they play the local seconds in the 2nd xv league decider. All support would be very welcome for this young exciting team.