Armagh seconds defeat Ballynahinch
Armagh seconds played Ballynahinch seconds in a much awaited conference league one encounter at the palace grounds on Saturday. In very damp and grey conditions both teams contributed to a very entertaining game played in good spirit. A high tempo game ensued from the kick off with Armagh’s half backs Gerard Treanor and Harry Boyd moving the ball with purpose through a lively home backline. It was the forwards however with the returning Neil Faloon, Josh Kennedy and Stuart Hooks leading the charge. Hinch scored an early try from a lineout deep in Armagh territory when their backline spun the ball out, a missed tackle let their centre in for a converted try. On the restart the Armagh forwards regained possession and following a period of pressure near the Hinch line Ollie Millar twisted and turned to touch down mid way out. Kyle Faloon converted to tie the game at 7-7. Kyle added a penalty to put the home team into the lead at 10-7 after the Hinch backline were caught offside in front of their posts. The Armagh front row of Philip Matthews, debutant Jack Treanor and John Clarke were enjoying a tasty confrontation in the scrums with both sides cancelling each other out. From a Hinch defensive lineout, Jack Treanor picked up a loose ball at the back and showed good feet to score mid way out with Kyle adding the conversion. The score remained 17-7 to Armagh as the half time whistle sounded. With the home coaches having gave their team talk, the game restarted with Armagh continuing their forward momentum through centres Evin Crummie and Luke Crozier making good inroads up the field. Another lineout in the corner provided dividends when Crozier took a good line to make his way over close to the posts,21-7. The try was unconverted and shortly after, a combination of Armagh taking their foot of the pedal and Hinch upping the ante resulted in two quick converted tries for the visitors. Captain Stephen Morton rallied his troops and again the visitors were in defensive mode as wave after wave of Armagh attacks were repelled by last ditch Hinch tackling. Hinch were conceding penalties and from one in front of the clubhouse Boyd pinged the ball to the corner for an Armagh lineout. With the lineout working like a treat all day Ryan Morton collected and with Hinch expecting a maul for the line, Hooks shipped the ball out for the backs who put it through the hands with Chris Cousins touching down out wide for a good team score. With the score at 27-21 the home side saw the game out to bring to an end an enthralling contest. A very good team performance with replacements Owen O’Hagan and Matthew Steenson both playing their part. Next game for the seconds is Portadown away next Saturday.