Nothing much separates the sides in AIL 1A and so it proved at this week’s match at the Palace Grounds. City of Armagh returned to action following a terrific away victory against Terenure, to face another titan of Irish club rugby, Cork Constitution. Could they back up defeat of Terenure with victory over last year’s champions?
Sam Berman gathered the Cork Con kick off and Armagh box kicked their way up the pitch. Scrum half Finlay’s execution is a real weapon for the home team but a disappointingly simple Cork recycle and move left resulted in a try for Cork’s No11, Daniel Hurley, 0-7 to Cork. To their credit there was no panic from Armagh and from the kick off they started to build their game. Armagh’s scramble defence was excellent throughout and they snuffed out several promising Cork attacks in this phase of the game. Finlay continued to kick well out of defence and Armagh were very competitive on Cork ball, denying the visitors quick ball as they continued to dominate territory.
Dylan Nelson made a good run on the left wing, breaking a couple of Cork tackles. Armagh moved the ball, going through multiple phases and Evin Crummie made a lovely break to get in behind the Cork defence. Armagh moved left, looking to finish in the corner and Nigel Simpson, on his return from injury got the try. Kyle Faloon struck the post with the conversion attempt, 5-7 to Cork. Armagh dealt well with the Cork restart and Finlay wormed his way through the close Cork defence, but Cork continued to threaten with the excellent Hurley, again breaking tackles. Eventually Armagh got some reward for their hard defensive work when Nelson brilliantly regathered a Finlay box kick and Cork were penalised from the resulting ruck. Smooth ball off the top for Armagh from the resulting Armagh lineout saw Timmy McNiece break a few tackles before Sam Berman cut through and sent over James McNabney for the try. Faloon slotted the conversion. Armagh 12 Cork Con 7.
Armagh dominated the next ten minutes of play, but great defence from Cork saw them hold out on their line forcing an Armagh error. Cork kicked their way back up to the Armagh 10 metre line, but
Armagh stole a line out and moved the ball brilliantly left with Sam Cunningham running in a stunning try. This was the best try of the match with everyone in the backline involved and some pretty snappy passing. Some kick tennis ensued following the kick off and the game tightened up again with Cork regaining some momentum. Sadly, the excellent Sam Berman had to leave the pitch with what looked like an injured ankle.
Armagh then had a spell of defensive work, with a great turnover from John Glasgow the highlight. Eventually Armagh gave away a penalty, Cork elected to go for touch, winning the resulting lineout 10 metres out from the Armagh line. A great defensive set from Armagh kept them out and eventually Armagh broke out of defence with a great intercept from Kyle Faloon. The home side made it to the half time whistle their lead intact, 19-7.
City of Armagh kicked off the second half, Cork Con gathered and rumbled their way out of their 22. More kick tennis. A great Armagh counter ruck regained possession and Cork were penalised for in from the side. From the lineout Armagh had a series of strong carries, Cameron Doak in particular breaking Con tackles. Cork exit with a penalty but Armagh steal the lineout and Timmy McNeice brought play back into the Cork men’s 22. The sides were very evenly matched with both defences on top but it was Cork who broke the deadlock with Hurley scoring under the posts after a smooth move.
Hurley was a nuisance all day and he made another great break down the left with Matthew Hooks making a try saving tackle. Cork Con were awarded a penalty and from the lineout, maul the ball over retaking the lead, 19-21. Could Armagh regain momentum? They turn over the kick off to give themselves a chance but fail to take their own lineout in the Cork 22. Cork struggle to exit with Dylan Nelson making a superb tackle on Cork Con’s Luke Masters, springing to his feet to jackal the ball and win an Armagh penalty. Armagh have a series of great attacks including an excellent scissors move which almost put Matthew Hooks through. A brilliant skip pass From Crummie was unfortunately adjudged forward and Cork won the resulting scrum. The game was nicely poised with both sides looking for a decisive break but it was Cork that got it. Rocky Olsen’s kick was charged down and it was a simple run in for Cork to extend their lead to 19-28. Armagh, as they have all season, did not lie down. They got their reward from what was a pretty dominant scrum with a penalty that took them back into the Cork 22. Armagh’s pack continued their dominance with a great maul from the lineout. Neil Faloon and Paul Mullen had great carries, bringing play right up to the Cork line. Armagh showed great patience in attack and were rewarded with a score from Niall Carville following a series of pick and drives. Kyle Faloon’s conversion narrowed the gap to 26-28.
From the restart, Olsen brought play back into the Cork 22. Wave after wave of Armagh attacks, including a brilliant bit of skill on the right from Kyle Faloon and Cork were penalised for a high tackle. The Armagh attacks continued with great ball retention and they camped in the Cork 22 but another promising attack broke down with Armagh forced into touch. There is no time left and with the final whistle Armagh will be bitterly disappointed not to have closed out the game. Final score City of Armagh 26 Cork Con 28.
Armagh can take consolation from having played most of the rugby in an excellent contest. Their fitness gave them some edge in the final minutes but Cork’s swift start to the game and management of their lead gave them victory. Armagh now travel this weekend to Limerick to face Young Munster hoping they can maintain their great away form. Palace regulars still await a home win.
