Armagh 1-8 Westmeath 0-7
The Armagh under 20s got their season up and running on Saturday afternoon with a home win over Westmeath.
The teams took part in an entertaining encounter in Silverbridge, and it was the Orchard who prevailed.
Sean Rock, playing on his clubs home turf, nailed the all-important goal that led Barry O’Hagan’s men to victory.
Ronan Fitzpatrick opened the scoring for the hosts with a free before nailing a long-range effort to double their advantage.
His Crossmaglen clubmate Caolan Finnegan swung over a great score, after a delightful diagonal ball by Sean Conlon.
Westmeath finally got off the mark and closed the gap with two pointed frees, making it 3-2.
Dan McCarthy fired over his first while Sean Rock curled the ball between the posts to put Armagh ahead 5-2 at half time.
The Orchard faced into a stiff breeze for the second period but get off to a great start with the first score.
James O’Hara slotted over a great score, with the aid of the post before the only goal of the game came.
A brilliant pass by Dara O’Callaghan found Finnegan, who slipped in Rock, who was powering past his shoulder.
The Silverbridge slid the ball low, under the diving goalkeeper to put the home side seven points ahead.
The men in maroon cut the deficit, nailing three points on the trot, all coming from open play.
Dan McCarthy and Luke McKeever (free) both traded scores with the opposition before the final whistle sounded.
Armagh travel to Monaghan next weekend while they will also meet Cavan in their postponed fixture.
Armagh: Shea Magill, Peter McGrane, Gareth Murphy, Orin McKeown, Fergal O’Brien, Brendan O’Hagan, Lee Rice, Thomas Og Duffy, Conal Burns, Sean Conlon, Ronan Fitzpatrick 0-2 (1f), Dan McCarthy 0-2, Sean Rock 1-1, James O’Hara 0-1, Caolan Finnegan 0-1. Subs: Dara O’Callaghan for C. Burns, Antoin McParland for F. O’Brien, Luke McKeever 0-1 (1f) for S. Rock, Gavan Duffy for J. O’Hara, Cathal Agnew for T. Duffy.
