Armagh2 v Dromore Match Report 22-09-2018

24 Sep 2018 by City of Armagh Rugby Club

Armagh Second s defeat Dromore at Barban Hill
The seconds travelled to Dromore on Saturday to play a conference league one game in fine and sunny but cool conditions. Upon kick off both teams battled up front midfield for a period of time with John Clarke Pete Lamb and Owen O’Hagan providing a steady platform in the scrums against a big Dromore eight. Kyle Faloon making a welcome return from his overseas travels introduced a high tempo game with Matthew Reaney and Stewart Lester making the Dromore midfield defence work hard. On 17 minutes after a jinking run, Reaney spun out of an attempted tackle and then offloaded to Ollie Millar who finished off from 25 metres out. Faloon converted and Armagh were up and running. The backline looked dangerous in attack with the back 3 of Glen Faloon, Mckeever and Crozier also covering well in defence. Dromore brought on ex Ulster prop Jonny Simpson after 20 minutes however Armagh still held their own in the scrums. A period of scrappy play coming up to half time saw Armagh receive two yellow cards on 30 and 36 minutes which then saw Dromore up the tempo with a period of play deep in Armagh’s 22. Heroic defence by the forwards kept Dromore out with numerous big tackles being made. A turnover ball by Clarke allowed Reaney to clear the line with the half time whistle sounding shortly after. On the restart with the backline running the ball at every opportunity, a free flowing move from Armagh’s half involving great interplay by Kyle Faloon and Lester was finished off with Luke Crozier running in a tremendous try mid way out. A good conversion by Faloon put Armagh ahead 14-0 and looking as if they could go on to win the game comfortably. On the restart turnover ball in the Dromore half from a quick tap penalty led to a Dromore try at the posts. Worse was to follow when possession was lost out wide on the half way line with Dromore levelling the game at 14-14 with another converted try. Armagh again had to dig deep against a rejuvenated Dromore side which were playing with more confidence. On 68 minutes, Lester intercepted the ball on the half way line and showed the Dromore defence a clean pair of heels to score a converted try midway out. At 21-14 Armagh just had to keep the ball and see the game out, however Dromore again scored out wide through their left wing. The conversion was too difficult for the Dromore place kicker and the score remained 21-19 to Armagh. A great performance from the seconds against a previously unbeaten Dromore side, however lessons need to be learned regarding game management. Debutant Ryan O’Neil was introduced into the back row as a second half sub with him laying down a marker with some big tackles.

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