Clogher Valley 25 Coleraine 0
This was a potential banana skin for Valley and for the first 10 minutes the supporters were becoming concerned as Coleraine moved the ball well through their backs, making significant yards. They had also won several turnovers and were generally more assertive in their play.
Slowly Valley started to lift their game but then had to reorganise their side after 15 minutes as centre PC Falconer had to leave the field with a leg injury. Ellis who started well at scrum half was moved to the wing and replaced by club captain Best, returning after injury at Bangor, with Breen moving to the centre.
The impact was immediate. Valley kicked a penalty to touch and set up a rolling maul. When the ball was released a clever reverse pass from Best saw Sharkey barge over for Valleys opening score.
Valley were now well in control as Coleraine could not find a way through the defensive wall that pressurised and forced mistakes. Valley continued to use their forwards to good effect with Primrose, Cobane, Wilson and man of the match Treanor all carrying well. On 30 minutes Valley extended their lead when the ball was moved quickly from a ruck and full back Armstrong, joining the line, accelerated through a gap for a try from 30 metres. Half time and Valley led 10-0 and playing well within themselves.
Valley continued to dominate and with the forwards playing a fast paced off-loading game Coleraine were hanging on. Valley declined a penalty in front of the posts but their scrum failed to produce the necessary points.
Valley were moving the ball well and the back combination of Stott, Donaldson and Armstrong created several telling breaks which were only just stopped by a tiring Coleraine. It was no surprise when after 50 minutes Valley extended their lead. A line out catch and drive rumbled towards the Coleraine line. When the ball was released two quick rucks saw Best dart through a gap for a try and 15-0 to Valley.
Coleraine continued to try and create some chances but the Valley defence, with Treiner in particular making a number of good open field tackles, stopped them at the gain line. The Valley forward power was too great for Coleraine. Cobane was held up over the line and from the resultant scrum Wilson drove over and Valley were 20-0 ahead. It was the last scrum of the game as Coleraine injuries now meant uncontested scrums.
Valley extended their lead to 25-0 from another line out when Cobane was driven over. Donaldson provided a final flurry when he intercepted on half way. Having recently returned from injury he continually looked for support rather than back himself and was hauled down short of the line. The “ribbing” started immediately!!
The Valley coaches were happy with the display, though Valley missed all five conversions. Other Valley sides had also won well with the U18’s beating Ballynahinch 26-5 and then the 2nds thumping Cooke 40-14. However the 3rds went down to a surprise 5-31 defeat at bottom club Enniskillen.
Next week none of the Valley adult teams have a game.
