Valley U19 I XV remain unbeaten and in pole postion now to win the section.
With a heavy pitch and playing against the slope, but with the wind, Valley, with several key players missing, started the stronger but could not put the phases of play together to put Dungannon under any serious pressure. For much of the first 20 minutes Valley won possession but poor handling and not committing players to rucks or mauls main it easy for the Dungannon side to defend. The only scoring chance had been a difficult long range penalty to Valley on 14 minutes which was missed. For their part Dungannon were being starved of possession and where always under pressure in the set pieces.
The game was a turgid affair and gave the few supporters who braved the weather nothing to be happy about. The only real highlight was the performance of referee Morris Butler who once again had a good game. Surely one to watch for the future as he climbs the refereeing ranks.
After 25 minutes and following constant pressure on the Dungannon 22 Valley struck. Taking a scrum against the head the Valley backs went close. However strong Dungannon defence disrupted the possession and the ball went loose. Luckily Stafford had speed of thought to pick up and create a gap in the same movement and despite being tackled went over for Valleys first try which was converted by Armstrong. Valley returned to the attack and Dungannon started to concede penalties at the breakdown as the Valley pressure continued. After 30 minutes, rather than kick the easy points, Armstrong took a quick tap under the posts and was able to put in the ever alert Stafford for his second try. With the Armstrong conversion Valley led 14-0. A score that was to remain to half time.
Coach Bothwell read the riot act at half time with the Valley side which, whilst in front, had exhibited none of their normal capabilities.
As the game restarted Valley were awarded a scrum on the half way line. A good pass from Ellis gave Armstrong enough time to draw two defenders and then release Kelly coming from full back. Stafford took a good line and from Kelly’s pass was able to cut through the Dungannon defence without anyone touching him to score his third try, again converted. Valley had improved their play and were now moving the ball at will and with purpose though it was to be another 15 minutes before they scored again as the valiant Dungannon defence held firm. This time the scorer was Armstrong who picked up from a ruck on the five metres line to crash over. Though the conversion was missed Valley led 26-0.
Valley were now playing some of their best rugby this season with good interplay between forwards and backs. It was only a matter of time until they scored again. After 25 minutes Valley took another scrum against the head on the Dungannon ten metre line. Armstrong spotted the gap, went through and then ran around the full back to score a Chris Ashton type try in the right corner, He then missed the conversion.
The flood gates had opened for the unfortunate Dungannon side but they did not allow their heads to go down and continued to try to repulse the waves of Valley attacks which much better sides would have struggled to contain. Out half Maxwell was particularly impressive on the night.
Then came the best try of the game. A long clearance kick by Dungannon to the Valley ten metre line was well taken by Corrigan who immediately attacked. The movement was carried on by McKenna, Stafford and Smyton before the scoring pass was given to Armstrong for his third try. A fine counter attacking movement. Valley led 36-0.
In the last ten minutes Valley were encamped on the Dungannon line. Eventually Millar , following a good pass from the base of a ruck by McKenna, drove over for a try. He then added another in the final minutes when he picked up at the back of the ruck and with two defenders hanging on crashed over for his third try. The whistle went and Valley had won well 50-0.
Normally the Valley man of the match would have been Stafford or Armstrong However it was awarded to Millar because of his work rate around the pitch, several massive tackles which stopped dangerous Dungannon moves, his taking of several balls against the head and his tries. Also in contention was scrum half Ellis whose box kicking and general play kept Dungannon under pressure all night.
In the end a convincing win. Nest week Valley play their nearest rivals Rainey at the Cran in a game likely to decide the outcome of the section.
2nds get revenge beating Ballymoney 34-8
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