Bangor 2XV (05) -v- City of Armagh 2XV (31)
City of Armagh Seconds played Bangor seconds at Uprichard Park on Saturday on a very wet pitch but made light of the conditions to record a resounding win. With a much changed side from the previous week, Armagh kicked off playing up the slope and into the wind. With the forwards relishing the task, numerous early carries led to Paul Campbell receiving a short pass from Andrew Knipe which ended with a try midway out on the left.
The blustery conditions were to make kicking for goal a lottery throughout the game. Armagh 5, Bangor 0. John Fletcher was stopped short of the line after a 30 metre burst, however Knipe added two penalties for home infringements to stretch the lead to 11-0. Bangor tried to use the wind for territorial advantage, however Armagh’s back three of Thompson, Girvan and Straghan easily dealt with any probing kicks.
Campbell had another run up the middle with ended with the ball being moved through quick hands by Morton to Robert Straghan who skipped around the last defender to score in the corner, 16-0 to Armagh.
Bangor replied when they touched down for a good unconverted try in the corner to leave the half time score at 16-5. On the resumption, Bangor had clearly changed their tactics and kept the ball tight with their forwards picking and driving into Armagh’s 22. Stout defence and a clearance kick from Knipe eventually lifted the siege. Some clever box kicks from Harry Doyle kept play in the Bangor half and with the forwards once again on the front foot, Armagh had a lineout on the home 22.
The lineouts had worked well all day with Morton and Michael Rolston winning their share of the ball. With the ball secured, Matty Allen slipped the ball to Campbell for him to get his second try to the right of the posts, 21-5.
Further scores from forward drives were added by Brian Bassett and Morton to leave the final score Armagh 31 Bangor 5. This was a good performance from the side with Zac Kneebone showing up well on his return to action.
Photo Credits: Ken Redpath
