Pro Shots (c) Steve Haslett
Clogher Valley 1st XV v Limavady 1st XV
Limavady 1st XV travelled to The Cran, Fivemiletown on Saturday to face Clogher Valley in Round 2 of the Towns Cup. With these two teams currently occupying 1st and 2nd place in their Domestic League, a close encounter was expected. Limavady started brightly but were soon to fall fowl of a penalty infringement from which Clogher Valley opened the scoring on 10 minutes through a well worked try from their Number 8, Ryan Wilson. Paul Armstrong added the conversion. Clogher Valley added a second try on 16 minutes through their Flanker, David Sharkey bringing the score to 12-0 for the hosts.
Limavady knew they had to score next to keep themselves in the game and on 24 minutes were rewarded with their own try. From a scrum on the right hand side, the ball was moved rapidly through the half backs and first centre into the hands of fullback, Matthew Haslett. Matthew used his pace and strength to beat the defence and power into the left hand corner bringing the score to 12-5.
Clogher Valley responded with a third try from their big Centre, Rodney Bennett. Armstrong added the extras bringing the score to 19-5. Limavady did not give up however and just before half time, Centre, Jamie Millar spotted a gap in the Clogher Valley midfield and used his strength to power across the line. Half time score 19-10 in favour of Clogher Valley.
The second half started on a fairly even keel with both teams cancelling each other out. However unforced errors and infringements by Limavady allowed Paul Armstrong to add a further 3 points on 52 minutes through a penalty kick. 16 minutes later following a series of penalty infringements, Limavady Prop, McCollum was given a yellow card leaving them a player short for 10 minutes. The resultant drive from a dominant Clogher Valley pack ended in a penalty try being awarded to the home side, bringing the score to 29-10. Limavady defended bravely and held firm with 14 men against a strong CV pack but fell foul of another penalty on 75 minutes, allowing Clogher’s Paul Armstrong to add a further 3 points.
Final score: 32-10
Next week, Limavady return to League action when they travel to Coleraine to face bottom side UUC.
Clogher Valley’s Ryan Wilson in possession against Limavady on Sat
Limavady Fullback Mathew Haslett burns off the Clogher defence to score in the corner
Limavady Fullback Mathew Haslett eyes the line before powering in to score in the corner
Limavady Fullback Mathew Haslett eyes the line before powering in to score in the corner
Limavady Fullback Mathew Haslett uses his strength against Clogher’s Joshua Coulter to score in the corner
Limavady Fullback Mathew Haslett uses his strength against Clogher’s Joshua Coulter to score in the corner
Limavady Fullback Mathew Haslett uses his strength against Clogher’s Joshua Coulter to score in the corner
Limavady Centre Jamie (Mo) Millar spots a gap in Clogher’s defence and eyes the try line
Limavady Centre Jamie (Mo) Millar spots a gap in Clogher’s defence and eyes the try line
Limavady Centre Jamie (Mo) Millar spots a gap in Clogher’s defence and touches down for a try
Jamie Millar is held by Clogher’s Ryan Wilson
Matthew Haslett attempts to break through Clogher’s forward defence
Limavady powerhouse Michael Rice running straight at the Clogher defence
Limavady’s Stuart Simpson is stopped close th the line by Clogher’s Neil Henderson and Capt, Michael Treanor
Limavady’s Stuart Simpson is stopped close th the line by Clogher’s Neil Henderson and Capt, Michael Treanor
Limavady Captain Jody McMurray takes on Clogher’s defence
Limavady Prop Clive Scott attempts to power his way through a formidable Clogher defence
Limavady’s Adam Currie puts in an important tackle on Clogher’s David Sharkey
Limavady’s Adam Currie puts in an important tackle on Clogher’s David Sharkey
