City of Armagh 3XV 46 v Dungannon 3XV 0
Saturday 9th November 2019
Report by Trevor Knipe

Incessant rain and bitterly cold conditions did not deter City of Armagh Thirds from putting in the performance of their season to see off neighbours Dungannon Thirds in the first round of the Crawford Cup at the Palace Grounds on Saturday. The conditions did not make for running rugby, but the Armagh pack were superb in attack and demonstrated great skill and persistence in securing turnover ball. The Dungannon pack were also strong in the early stages of the match but could not turn possession into points.
Armagh’s first try came under a penalty advantage when quick thinking by centre, Matthew Allen got the ball to hooker Adam Edgar who showed a clean pair of heels to the floundering Dungannon defence. Unfortunately winger Ruari Karlsen had to be helped off the pitch shortly after with a knee injury sustained in a tackle and was replaced by Connor Simms who himself had to retire later with a recurring shoulder injury.
Every man on the pitch played their part in this impressive win and clearly the insistence by captain, Andrew Brady that guys turn out for training is paying off. Props Aaron White and Neil Lutton with second rows William Martin and Jack Gilpin made sure that the scrum was secure while Tom Johnston at 6 and Gareth Megaw at 8 kept control of the ball in all stages. Flanker Jonny Agnew had a great match with four tries to his name with Ross Finlay, who came on and Andrew Winder securing the others in a seven try thriller. Trevor Girvan had a superb game at scrum half keeping the Dungannon defence guessing while Andrew Brady, Dan Reynolds and Con Oliver played their part in ensuring that Dungannon did not get any real scoring opportunities.
Four conversions and a penalty by Knipe gave Armagh 46 points while Dungannon were unable to cross the Armagh line and left the pitch empty handed.
It’s back to League action next week with a home tie against Enniskillen Thirds.

City of Armagh team:- A White, A Edgar, N Lutton, W Martin, J Gilpin, J Agnew, G Megaw, T Girvan, A Knipe, R Karlsen, M Allen, A Brady, D Reynolds, A Winder, R Finlay, C Simms, C Oliver.

Try scorers:- Edgar, Agnew (4), Winder, Finlay
Conversions:- Knipe (4)
Penalties:- Knipe (1)