Clogher Valley U17 v Armagh U17.
Valley’s U17 got the season under way with a good display of running rugby. The support from the pack in winning the ball gave out half Paul Armstrong the platform he needed to launch his backs, which were able to cut holes in the Armagh defence. The pack drove the hard yards using the pick and go approach which kept the Armagh defence on their back foot, once the space was created Armstrong let his backs go.
Slick handling and few mistakes amongst the players helped the men in blue & green to over run their Armagh neighbours. Even without the talisman Chris Farrell the Valley scored 6 tries (Paul Armstrong x 3; Michael Trainer; Alex McKeown and Adrain Baillie) with Armstrong converting two. The Valley ran out convincing winners 34 points to 5.
U15 Clogher Valley 31 v Armagh 15
Following last weeks defeat by Omagh, the Valley’s U15 were determined to make amends from the start. The side immediately carried on the one positive aspect from the previous game; solid rucking. This gave the backs the platform they needed to launch attack after attack into the Armagh half. Converted forward David McConnell now playing at centre looked dangerous every time he got his hands on the ball. His long loping strides were to become the scourge of the Armagh side, strong and difficult to stop he raced over to score a brace of tries during the game. With the backs concentrating on McConnell, Luke Irwin also playing at centre was able to find space and also score a brace of tries.
With the forwards rucking so well, Loyd McClean was able to make the most of a drive towards the opposition line and sneak in with a Valley 5th try. Armagh not happy to let the Valley have it all their own way, scored 3 tries, with much of the damage being created by the big 2nd row player who appeared to be able to run at his leisure through to score tries. It is back to the training pitch for Wednesday, with some work yet to do on tackling. This is a promising U15 side, who with guidance and hard work could potentially do well this season.
