Both teams had recorded at least one bonus-point victory in their two previous outings in this season’s competition, so expectations were high for an exciting final. The spectators were not disappointed.
The game was played under the floodlights at a cool but dry Chambers Park. A sizeable and enthusiastic crowd gathered to watch another entertaining Nutty Krust fixture, which the City of Armagh FC U18 team won 38–0, showcasing a number of talented players on both sides.
Among those in attendance were Paul Hart, President of the Ulster Branch, IRFU, and former Chairman of the Ulster Youth Committee; Bobby Stewart, former President of both Portadown RFC and the Ulster Branch, IRFU; Richard Kerr, Ulster Referee Development Manager; Andrew Matchett, President of Portadown RFC; and Ian Wray, former Chairman of Portadown RFC.
As part of an initiative involving Ulster Rugby, Ulster Carpets and the Nutty Krust Tournament, Ulster Rugby players Jack Murphy, James McNabney and Ben Carson were also present at the final.
The Ulster Rugby Academy was represented by Provincial Talent Squad ID Manager, Michael Black, who took a keen interest in proceedings.
The match was well refereed by Nathan Lamont, assisted by Alan O’Neill and Matthew Peak from the USRFR. The Nutty Krust organising committee is grateful to the USRFR for ensuring that all tournament finals are officiated by a team of three.
Photography provided by Tony Hendron.
City of Armagh took control from the outset, building an early 14–0 lead through tries from Thomas Jenkins and James Hamilton, both converted by Padraic Carville.
Dungannon responded positively, with players such as Dylan Byrne, Ronan Quinn, Alexander Courtney and Jake Moore testing the Armagh defence. However, a well-organised Armagh defensive effort, combined with a few untimely knock-ons from Dungannon, ensured the score remained unchanged until halftime.
Armagh extended their lead to 17–0 shortly after the restart, when Padraic Carville converted a penalty.
From there, Armagh dominated possession and territory. Further tries from Paddy McCann, Harry Hutchinson and Padraic Carville, along with three additional conversions from Carville, secured a comprehensive 38–0 victory for the City of Armagh FC U18 team.
As is customary with the Nutty Krust Tournament, all players enjoyed a post-match meal sponsored by Hewitt Meats, prepared by the staff at “Flat Dogs Gourmet Food” restaurant and organised by proprietor Ryan, assisted by the ever-reliable Syd Rowe. All players and coaches also received a Nutty Krust loaf on departure.
At the post-match presentations, James McNabney presented the referee, Nathan Lamont, and his assistants, Alan O’Neill and Matthew Peak, with mementoes of the occasion.
Jack Murphy presented the Nutty Krust “Man of the Match” award to Padraic Carville, the City of Armagh FC U18 team’s out-half.
Ben Carson, James McNabney and Jack Murphy then presented the Nutty Krust 2026 finalist medals to both teams. At the conclusion of the evening, Brian Irwin, Director of Irwin’s Bakery (producers of the Nutty Krust brand), assisted by Paul Hart and the Ulster players, presented the TC Wells Nutty Krust Trophy to Padraic Carville, captain of the victorious City of Armagh FC U18 team.
