Armagh prove too strong for Ballymena Seconds

For some years now a lot of discussion has taken place about what league All Ireland League second XVs should play in and this year they have made a decision that teams like Ballymena Seconds should play against some of the top Qualifying League sides.

When it comes to top sides at that level, there are none much better than Armagh.

They have been knocking on the door of the AIL for a number of years now but they just never make it.

Saturday was Ballymena’s first encounter against a Qualifying League side and what a baptism it was.

The home side had a huge, experienced pack whereas Ballymena had a very young side and a lot of the players are still teenagers and cutting their teeth in senior rugby.

As expected Armagh dominated right from the start and hard though they tried the young Braid side was no match for the seasoned campaigners.

Armagh led by 35 points to six – Ballymena's points from a couple of Ross Connor penalties - at half time and in the second half showed no mercy as they piled on another 24 points without reply.

If it’s any consolation to the Ballymena side, they did start at the top so perhaps it is best to get that one out of the way and hope that things can only get better.

Seconds: R McGreer; A Moore, D Montgomery, M Banks, J Patterson; J Nicholl, R Connor; R Henderson, J Carmichael, C Rae, A Neill, P Allen, W McKay, S Flanagan, C Smith.

The Seconds are at home to Ballynahinch Seconds this Saturday (1pm).

That match precedes the First XV fixture between the two sides, with John Andrews' men returning to action after having a bye in Saturday's opening round of the Senior Cup.