Sat 28th Dec, 14:30 Kukri Qualifying 1. U.U.C. 0 – 96 Clogher Valley
No Christmas cheer for Students from Valley
by Bob Beatty
15 tries and 8 conversions in an emphatic win
Valley were just too physical for a side which included 10 fresher’s as UUC had most of their pack from last week’s good result at CIYMS on holiday. Valley had rotated their squad with the return of Ryan Wilson, Club Captain Stephen Baxter and with Moore, Sharkey and BJ Wilson rested. Valley would still have expected to win but the margin of victory was a surprise.
Throughout UUC tried hard and their 10, 9 and 6 were excellent but Valley scored 15 tries at will with prop Bennett getting four, in 45 minutes before he was replaced, and full back Armstrong getting three. In addition Donaldson and Dunlop scored two each and Todd, Treanor, Ellis and Cobane added one each. When five Holmes and three Armstrong conversions are added it was an emphatic Valley victory.
Yet man of the match for Valley was second row Treanor whose support and willingness to make the hard yards was exemplary. In addition one sublime off-load to Ellis created a try from nothing.
Valley coaches Black and Kyle will be happy with the result but a little concerned that the normal Valley fluidity was missing. The line out malfunctioned and there were too many poor passes, over running of the ball and generally incorrect options but there was still too much good rugby for the students to cope with.
