City of Armagh went down 40 points to 12 in a tough encounter with high flying St Mary’s College in Dublin. As a result of this, they need at least 3 points in their last league game against Ballynahinch at the Palace Grounds this coming Saturday. They remain 2 points ahead of UCD who travel to Young Munster in Limerick, so a win is really needed to secure Division 1A status for next season. St Mary’s is one of the most prosperous clubs in Dublin and this win took them to the top of the table, which is remarkable for a team newly promoted this season. Armagh were missing Paul Mullen who was recovering from concussion, but at least James McCormack was finally released to play his second game this season for Armagh. Centre Charlie Worth was not available, so Josh Watterson came in at outhalf, with Rocky Olsen going into the centre. Josh Cunningham was due to play in the back row but in a last-minute change, Andrew Willis and he swapped positions.
Armagh started off brightly but couldn’t break down the resolute defence led by former Ulster player, Greg Jones. Referee, Eoghan Cross was very particular about the scrums and spent a lot of time talking to Armagh ‘s Phillipson and St Mary’s loosehead prop O’Reilly. He then started penalising Armagh’s scrum even though everything looked particularly legal. Marys scored after 10 minutes when the ball was not secured from an Armagh lineout and the ball was spread wide. Myles Carey is one of the most prolific scorers in the league and this score was converted by Conor Hayes. A second scrum penalty resulted in Armagh losing ground and after a lineout drive and rolling maul, Number 8, Goggin went over for try number 2, again converted for a 14 nil lead. Armagh nearly got back into the game when St Marys were penalised, but a crooked throw in the swirling wind let the home side off the hook. Armagh continued to concede penalties, but what really changed the game was when
McCormack had a try disallowed for an alleged double movement and Mary’s broke down the pitch to score a slightly controversial try of their own through scrum half Fahy. Captain Simpson politely spoke to the referee on this occasion as it seemed to be a similar offence.
Halftime St Mary’s College 19 City of Armagh 0.
Armagh had the wind advantage in the second half but after Armagh got their 6th penalty, Rocky rushed his kick and kicked the ball dead. The game was as good as over when Marys moved the ball wide from a scrum near Armagh’s line and Fahy scored his second try, again converted to make the scoreline 26-0. Armagh continued to fight and Neil Faloon came off the subs bench to score a try through Armagh’s effective maul. After Armagh had been penalised for the 14th time in the match, an unfortunate knock down by Simpson presented the ball to substitute Kilgallen and he went over for a converted try, 33-7. St Mary’s then scored their 6th try through left wing Silvester when Armagh’s defence was stretched on the narrow side. In the final minutes of the match, James Crummie was taken out dangerously at a ruck and substitute Ian Wickham received a red card. James had to be helped off the pitch with an ACL injury. Referee, Cross himself had to go off four minutes from the end with a hamstring injury and Armagh fought to the end scoring a try through Josh Cunningham. They were well beaten by a well drilled St Mary’s who now go to the playoffs. The visitors were well beaten but no team can afford to give away 16 penalties in a match. The final scoreline probably doesn’t really reflect the game, but Mary’s were well drilled and have recruited wisely. Scrums and lineouts went well and the backs ran well with Michael Burnett breaking through the first tackle. James Crummie will now be out for the rest of the season and he joins the long list of casualties including Timmy McNeice, Evin Crummie, Sam Berman, Mathew Hooks and Kyle Faloon. To lose players of this quality is a hard ask and Armagh go into their final match badly depleted. They do need maximum support this weekend.
