City of Armagh made the relatively short journey to south Dublin, but in a disjointed display they managed to come away only with a losing bonus point. Whereas last season they suffered an incredible number of injuries to their backs, this season, it is the forwards who are having all the injuries. Missing last Saturday were Paul Mullen, Dylan Poyntz and Griffin Philipson from the front row, John Glasgow and Connor Neary from the second row and Ryan Finlay and Barry Finn from the back row. The backs this time out were the same as last week. The lineup also had the considerable presence of prop Rory McGuire, released by Ulster.<\/p>\n
Blackrock kicked off playing into a stiff, cold breeze and immediately put Armagh under pressure with their sharp handling in the three quarters. Armagh did not really help themselves with some basic errors of their own, kicking dead on occasion and passes not going to hand.<\/p>\n
Blackrock took the lead on 17 minutes when scrumhalf Coffey sneaked through at a ruck to score under the posts. Corkery converted to make it 7-0 to the home team. Armagh had a few chances to get back into the game with their lineout very effective again. Disaster however struck 10 minutes later when centre, Dwan intercepted from 40 metres to score under the posts. Corkery converted to leave Armagh with a mountain to climb. They did manage however to reduce the lead shortly before half time when Noah Bell squeezed over for a try after a very effective maul and converted by Owen O\u2019Kane.<\/p>\n
Half time Blackrock 14 City of Armagh 7.<\/p>\n
Armagh certainly had chances in the first half but took the wrong option at times. They did get back into the game early in the second half when Rory McGuire barged over after sustained pressure. From the restart Blackrock got their noses further in front. The kickoff wasn\u2019t gathered cleanly and Blackrock moved the ball to the right wing where 18-year-old Waters scored in the corner. Armagh heads seemed to drop a bit and a rehearsed move at a lineout enabled the home side to increase their lead through prop Fitzpatrick.<\/p>\n
\u00a0Blackrock\u2019s Mangan then took a crash ball on the angle to cross over for their fifth try for 31-14. Armagh however never gave up and pressed hard to get into the game. With the Blackrock defence very narrow, O\u2019Kane spotted Josh Cunningham alone on the wing and his accurate cross kick enabled Josh to register Armagh\u2019s third try. Owen converted excellently to reduce arrears to 10 points but with time running out. The visitors threw everything at Blackrock trying to get a fourth try but with the game on 80 minutes, O\u2019Kane slotted over a penalty from 35 metres to leave the final score 31-24 to the home team.<\/p>\n
On the balance of things, Blackrock probably deserved their win with their backs moving the ball well compared to the visitors. Armagh made several basic errors throughout the game, but with fantastic spirit, they never gave up and got that valuable point to leave them still in the top 4 after 5 games. The team will learn from this defeat and have a free Saturday this week. Next up is \u00a0Garryowen at the Palace Grounds the following week. It is incumbent on us all to get behind the team and management, in what will be a crucial game.<\/p>\n\n\t\t