In perfect conditions, Armagh ran out comfortable winners against a useful Instonian’s side which had beaten Armagh last year in the senior cup semi-final. Armagh went into the game with an inexperienced side who for a number of reasons had not their regular first team starters. Props Fletcher, Mullen and Johnny Morton were all unavailable and Captain Simpson rested with a back problem. Last year’s captain Mc Kinley was also rested as a precaution. This meant that Sam Karlsen moved to loose head and Niall Carville had to move over to tight head. With such a light front row, it was decided to give Jack Reaney the hooker’s position because of his slightly bigger bulk, and James Crummie came into the second row with Sam Glasgow. The biggest headache coach Parker had was at scrum half, with Lewis still not 100% and Lloyd Quinn ill. This meant a first start for Jack Steenson in Armagh colours since his under 16 days. He did extremely well linking up with Rocky Olsen. Rocky himself had a great game with his slick hands and dancing feet causing Instonians all sorts of problems.
Instonians actually went into an early lead when a tackle was missed and a try resulted. Armagh continued to play with tempo and an attack and run from O’ Brien was thwarted by Glenn Faloon now in Inst colours. Armagh continued to press and enterprising three quarter play had Mathew Hooks going over in the corner. After 25 minutes Armagh extended their lead when John Glasgow barged over the line after a series of mauls near the Inst line. Kristoffer Mc Kenzie coming on for the injured Karlsen increased their lead after 30minutes when he drove over the line with great determination. What is remarkable is that Kris has only played a few games for the second xv while playing most of his rugby at third xv level. All three kicks were missed.
Instonians as expected came back to Armagh and with the penalty count starting to creep up referee Richmond gave Instonians some hope with a penalty try. Half time score Instonians 12 City of Armagh 17.
Armagh made a number of changes in the second half giving all their squad a run out but the traffic was all one way with further tries from John Glasgow, Mathew Hooks, Evin Crummie, Andrew Willis, Sam Cunningham and Niall Carville. Kyle Faloon who had taken over the kicking duties converted 4 of them. Instonians continued not to lie down but Armagh’s defence was immaculate, thwarting the dangerous three quarters and refusing to have their line breached. One worrying aspect from Armagh’s perspective is that they are light in the front row at the moment and will continue to struggle at scrum time. They conceded 3 penalties in this phase of the game. It was however refreshing to see their lineout working so well with James Anderson, John and Sam Glasgow so prominent.
What also was impressive to watch was their ability to spread the ball wide and the pace of O’Brien, Sam Cunningham and Kyle Faloon will threaten most teams. Mathew Hooks seems to have found his niche on the left wing. Tim McNeice tackles well and goes hard at the defence but should not be allowed to kick the ball except in a dire emergency. To be able also to bring Neil Faloon and Barry Finn from the bench is a real asset. Apart from Olsen, Karlsen and Steenson all Armagh players on Saturday were Armagh born and bred with O’Brien, the 2 Crummies, the 2 Glasgows, Mc Kenzie and Finn all coming through the youth system.
All in all, a good start to the season with some lovely rugby being play. It is only the Ulster League and bigger challenges lie ahead.
