Armagh3 v Clogher Valley Match Report 23-03-2019

25 Mar 2019 by City of Armagh Rugby Club

City of Armagh Thirds faced Clogher Valley Seconds in a “must win” encounter at the Palace Grounds. With several key players absent it was a call-up for a number of fourths players that saved the day for Armagh and secured a bonus point win. Fourths captain Adam Hume stepped up to captain the side with teammates Andrew Black, Kyle Gallagher, Niall Mullen and David Loughran at his side. Gareth Graham moved from hooker to scrum half and Scott Armstrong moved from the wing to No 10 and both rose to the occasion.
It was Scott who got the opening try for Armagh although he failed with the conversion. Clogher Valley responded with an unconverted try from a quick penalty and a chip and chase from their centre to go 10-5 ahead. A great run by Dan Reynolds let Matthew Mateir in for the equaliser but a penalty meant that Clogher Valley ended the half 3 points ahead at 10-13.
The second half started well for Armagh with tries from Adam Hume and John Johnston both converted by Scott Armstrong and a further try from the Armagh pack securing a 31-13 and bonus point lead for Armagh.
Although Clogher Valley came back with a converted try Armagh showed their dominance with an out of the blue charge down and a second try for John Johnston and then an equally impressive run by Adam Magowan from his own 22, this time converted by Dan Reynolds. Clogher Valley pulled one back close to the end but it was not enough to deny Armagh the victory by 41 points to 25 and maintain their challenge for Provincial League 2 honours. The match was played in great spirit by both sides and was reduced to laughter when Jack Gilpin had his jersey almost pulled off in a maul with the ball still in his hand but up his sleeve!
The team appreciate the support of a good crowd of spectators on a lovely afternoon for open rugby an look forward to their next match against Instonians Seconds on 30th March.

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