All Ireland League Rugby: Coach Chris Parker warns Armagh are ...
Just two rounds to go, and City of Armagh need points to edge their way towards avoiding Division 1A’s Relegation Play-Offs.
With only four points separating them from Shannon in the danger zone, the eighth-placed Palace Grounds side travel to Lansdowne on Saturday knowing they must go all-out against a team at the other end of the table.
Beating Shannon in their previous outing looked like a hugely significant moment for Armagh, but the task is not complete.
“Definitely job not done,” said Armagh coach Chris Parker.
“And that was the message as we were in the huddle on the pitch, ‘Well done lads, but that’s not enough to make sure we are in 1A next year’.
“It is in our hands, and we have to take it and get after it.”
Armagh have Ulster squad members Shea O’Brien, James McNabney, Cameron Doak and James McCormick all heading to Dublin for this crunch clash.
Ballynahinch have a long-haul trip to third-placed Cork Constitution, with the visitors still pushing for inclusion in the top four.
Ninth plays eighth as Queen’s University host Naas, with the Students needing the result to have any chance of avoiding the Play-Offs to stay in 1B.
As for 2A, Banbridge meet UL Bohemian at Rifle Park as the fifth-placed home team chase a top-four finish.
Matters are very different for Ballymena and Malone. The Braidmen must beat Greystones to avoid slipping from eighth, while bottom side Malone could be relegated if they fail to beat Cashel at Gibson Park.
In 2B, Instonians will be crowned champions should they prevail at Corinthians, while Belfast Harlequins and Dolphin face a relegation tussle at Deramore. Elsewhere, Rainey host Wanderers and Dungannon play Sligo.
Clogher Valley could win 2C at Tullamore, while Bangor face potential relegation at Clonmel.
Division 1A: Cork Constitution v Ballynahinch, Lansdowne v City of Armagh
Division 1B: Queen’s University v Naas
Division 2A: Ballymena v Greystones, Banbridge v UL Bohemians, Malone v Cashel
Division 2B: Belfast Harlequins v Dolphin, Dungannon v Sligo, Rainey v Wanderers
Division 2C: Ballina v Omagh, Clonmel v Bangor, Tullamore v Clogher Valley
