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BHSFP II's 20 v Armagh III's 14
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| Tries :
A Magee, K Porter, G Adams |
| Convs: K
Brown |
| Pens: K
Brown
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The Former Pupils 2ndXV readied themselves to face Armagh
3rdXV in Greenisland this week with a surprisingly much changed team from
last weeks encounter. Gary McMinn was welcomed back from injury to prop,
especially by Ian Scott who was only too eager to get out of the front
row. Alan Charters rejoined the 2s after a spell on the 1stXV, plugging in
between Marno and McMinn at hooker. Jonny Price and Kris Porter both
slotted effortlessly into the back row. The 2 Gareths, McKeague and Adams
returned from injury to play Scrumhalf and fullback respectfully. Finally
Phil McKeown made his debut on the 2ndXV in the centre.
The game started off with neither side controlling, The High School showed
an excellent improvement in the lineout and were winning this set piece,
however the visitors were vastly superior in the scrums.
After 13 minutes the first scoring opportunity arose. Kyle Brown, playing
his first match of the season at 10, sliced through the Armagh defence,
and an offload to Gareth Adams seemed sure to give the score but alas it
never came. 3 minutes later Centre Phil Mckeown showed great strength and
awareness to stay on his feet during the tackle, free his arms and
transfer the ball to centre partner Alan Magee who went in for the try.
Kyle brown converted.
7, 0
Almost straight away Armagh responded with a drop goal, which was
unsuccessful. They then regrouped, through their forwards and started to
up their game. The reward for this effort came 25 minutes after kickoff in
the form of a penalty.
7, 3
This awoke the Former Pupils who responded immediately. Gareth Adams broke
the Armagh line and offloaded the ball, after several more passes out of
the tackle Kris Porter, who seems to like scoring tries touched down in
the corner. Kyle Brown failed to convert.
12, 3
From the restart scrumhalf Gareth McKeague read the lacklustre chase and
spread the ball to McKeown who took off down the pitch from inside his 22.
This was the beginning of a sublime phase in which almost every player in
a High School shirt touched the ball and barely a ruck occurred. The
continuity and communication of the Former Pupils was superb and the
inevitable try came through Gareth Adams. Just 2 minutes after the Armagh
penalty. The touchline conversion was missed.
17, 3
There was a stoppage of play after the try due to an injury to the Armagh
number 5. After the period of rest the home side seemed unable to elevate
themselves back to their previous high standard of play, whilst the Armagh
pack seemed rejuvenated. The half ran out fairly evenly with the visitors
claiming a late penalty.
Half Time 17, 6
In the second half the High School found themselves sucked into the Armagh
style of play and the larger visiting pack were dominating the game. After
just 2 minutes of the half the visitors rumbled over in the corner. The
conversion was unsuccessful.
17, 11
The next period of play was scrappy at best with Armagh dictating
proceedings. The home side to their credit soaked up tremendous amounts of
pressure. After 20 minutes of continually forcing the High School into
their own 22 Armagh gained only a penalty to add to their tally.
17, 14
After the penalty the Former Pupils were looking to get the better of the
tired Armagh team, this showed as they clawed themselves off their own
line. 12 minutes remained in the contest when Kyle Brown, with a brilliant
individual effort, crossed the line for the Former Pupils, however the
referee deemed the ball to be held up.
The High School were now showing their superior fitness and were camped in
the Armagh half for the remainder of the game. Kyle Brown slotted a
penalty with less than 5 minutes left.
20, 14
The contest ended with another Kyle Brown penalty, this one dropping just
short.
Full Time 20, 14
I would like to thank the Scottish guys for their support and hope you had
a good weekend |
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