Leaders Armagh aiming high with fourth straight win in their sights

FOR a newly promoted side, Armagh have clearly exceeded all expectations to sit top of Division 2A and they are aiming to end the first segment of games by racking up an impressive four wins from four when bottom side Blackrock College visit the Palace Grounds.

“It has been an excellent start,” said assistant coach Chris Parker.

“And we have to be very happy with where we are three games in.”

With former Ulster player Willie Faloon now at the helm as head coach, the squad, who include ex-Ulster squad member Ali Birch, have taken up from where they left off last season when securing the 2B title and promotion, under then consultant coach Brian McLaughlin,

“The way we’re playing we have to try and keep the momentum going,” Parker stated.

Hot on their heels are Malone — their Ulster rivals also picking up 13 points from three wins but in second on points differential — who travel to eighth-placed Galwegians.

Josh Pentland will start at outhalf for head coach Paddy Armstrong’s squad.

The only other game in 2A involving an Ulster side sees Queen’s University welcome Cashel to the Dub.

In 2C, Omagh have set an impressive early pace and after two wins and a draw the Tyrone side are leading the way but face a rigorous-looking challenge at second-placed Sligo.

Bangor are in mid-table and host Thomond in fairly confident mood after seeing off Midleton last weekend down in Co Cork.

The Seasiders starting team will be unchanged with Lewis Bret retained at scrum-half.

In 2B, fourth-placed Rainey Old Boys host Barnhall while Dungannon are at Navan and City of Derry at Sundays Well. Basement side Belfast Harlequins are in Skerries.

Div 2A: Blackrock v Armagh, Corinthians v Nenagh, Greystones v Highfield, Malone v Galwegians, QUB v Cashel

Div 2B: Navan v Dungannon, Old Cres v Wanderers, Rainey v Barnhall, Skerries v Quins, Sun Well v Derry

Div 2C: Bangor v Thomond, Bective v Midleton, Sligo v Omagh, Tullamore v Bruff, Seapoint v Malahide