Trainor the hero for Armagh with semi-final treble

IT’S an Armagh II v Enniskillen final in the Millar, McCall Wylie Junior Cup at Kingspan on Tuesday, January 7 after the Palace Grounds side overcame a gallant Carrickfergus 33-18 and the Skins eliminated Ballyclare 23-3.

Armagh were always favourites by virtue of their strength in depth and home advantage but determined and courageous Carrick were still well in the tie at the interval, 11-12 down after the lead had changed three times.

Armagh captain John Faloon felt the scoreline was not a true reflection of the play, saying: “We will have a few sore bodies in the morning after such a tough encounter.

“Carrick made us fight all the way but we found another gear after the restart and a few gaps opened. It was a great game against a fair and hospitable team that brought many supporters with them.”

Hooker Jack Trainor was the home hero with three tries, the last coming after he took a quick penalty five metres out. John Faloon and Harry Ferguson also crashed over for out-half Harry Boyd to convert four.

Ryan McGonigle and Brian Alexander crossed for Carrick while Adam White kicked two penalties and Shane Kelly a conversion.

Enniskillen pulled off a surprise by the margin of their victory away from home. It was Ballyclare’s third successive defeat as the visitors built up a 13-0 interval advantage.

There were tries by Conor Hoy and James Carleton but the man of the match was Gareth Beatty with three penalties and two conversions. The home team uncharacteristically never got into their stride and could only contribute a Matthew McDowell penalty.