The pitch took the plaudits while Tait demonstrated enough to prove he will be an integral part of the team as the season progresses.

    Clogher’s disjointed pre-season is in stark contrast to Armagh’s as they set their stall out in the build up to league encounters.

    With Junior Ulster commitments, holidays and early season niggles, the Valley are finding it difficult to get quality preparation in place for the difficult season ahead.

    Armagh coming off the back of four tough matches, mostly against senior opposition, were sharper, more inventive and better organised.

    The visitors took the lead through a well worked try and added two penalties as the half progressed.

    The Valley weren’t lacking in desire and soon closed the gap with a well taken try. Quick thinking by Weir gave Todd and Robinson a chance to create enough space for the big centre to race in from sixty metres out. Tait added the conversion.

    Redpath for the visitors, was causing problems, but Robinson and Bothwell in the centre, both had fine games and stemmed most of what Armagh could muster.

    Tait added a penalty to bring the Valley close, but Armagh would add further scores in the second half to put the game beyond Clogher.

    Weir, Scott Wilson and Speers all took nasty knocks, and with a few not up to full playing fitness, a threatened late surge failed to materialise.