Armagh rugby seconds travelled to play City of Derry seconds in the second xv league. In bright clear weather the game kicked off with Armagh on the charge with James Hanna returning the kick off with interest bringing play deep into home territory.
Shortly after Derry put some phases together through their large forward unit to bring play to Armagh’s 22.
With no side dominating, it wasn’t until the 25th minute when Lorcan Magillan converted a simple penalty to give Armagh a 3-0 lead.
This seemed to spur Derry into attacking from deep and after some good off loading a converted try was scored at the posts. 7-3 to Derry. Just before halftime some good back play by the visitors resulted in debutant Matthew Heaney touching down for a try in the corner. Half time score Armagh 8, Derry 7.
Lorcan McGillen was in fine kicking form
The second half kicked off with Armagh playing up the slope and on 43 minutes Stephen Morton took a great off load just outside the 22 from Bob Faloon and scorched in at the posts for a good try. Ironically, this was to be his last involvement in the game as he had injured his ankle some minutes before half time.
Derry lost a player shortly after to leave both teams with 14. With the conversion by Magillan, Armagh led 15-7.
The visitors were working hard in the scrums and loose through the Fletcher brothers, Zac Kneebone, and Brian McConnell. With club coach Andy Hughes making a rare appearance at 7, play was taken up to the home try line where Captain Con Oliver barged over to score another fine try.
Magillan banged over an excellent touchline conversion to push Armagh ahead by 22 points to 7.
Derry replied with a forwards try to close the gap to 22-12, Armagh replied though Eden and a conversion by Magillan, 29-12 to Armagh.
Derry again closed the gap to 29-19 with another try, before Armagh pulled away towards the end with further tries from Lorcan Magillan, Gareth McNeice and Philip Fletcher to leave the final score Armagh 44 points Derry 19.
