Clogher Valley 1st XV 17 Ballyclare 1st XV 28

Clogher Valley made their exit from the Junior Cup on Saturday with a 28-17 defeat at the hands of Ballyclare at the Cran.
It was the second meeting on successive Saturday’s between the sides and on both occasions it was Ballyclare who came out on top against a youthful Valley side.
Clogher had rejigged the starting line up with McAlpine coming in at 10, Wilson retaining the full back slot, Trenier in the centre and skipper Cobain returning to the action after injury. 
‘Clare though were to dominate proceedings early doors and went ahead on the 12 minute mark following a catch, take and maul routine that Clogher couldn’t repel. It was goaled giving the visitors the early advantage. 
Minutes later Trotter converted a fairly straight forward penalty to reduce the arrears. The Valleys lineout is starting to function again and in the scrum the visitors were in all sorts of trouble. 
 It was all needed to contain the very sharp ‘Clare backline who caused the Valley rear guard issues all afternoon. 
A great take under pressure by the ‘Clare fullback started a move that swept play to the Valley line for the second try of the day which was duly goaled. Clogher kept plugging away and an in field break by Agnew gave his side valuable field position. 
A subsequent scrum turned into a maul and on this occasion it was Ballyclare who couldn’t repel it and Treanor touched down for the Valleys first try. Trotter added the conversion. However, two penalties in quick succession saw ‘Clare stretch their lead back to ten points.
As game edged towards the break Clogher sustained a real foothold in the visitors 22’ area. Several scrums resulted in Ballyclare, under pressure, concede a penalty. Clogher took the scrum option and this time as the visiting eight dismantled the official had no choice but to award a penalty try. Trotter goaled it giving the Valley hope for the second period.
Ten minutes into the second half it all evaporated. A hopeful kick in behind the Valley defence, a wicked bounce that caught out the cover and the ‘Clare winger was first to the ball for a fortuitous try. This was a hammer blow for Clogher’s ambitions. 
The game settled to a predictable pattern thereafter with both sides playing to their strengths, Clogher were in control of first phase and the Ballyclare backs threatened to cut loose when in possession. McKenna took a yellow for the team which didn’t help matters. Another penalty was the visitors only reward in his period of abstinence. When restored to full strength and with good use of the bench it was an encouraging performance. The perplexing issue at outhalf may be sorted in the performance of Mc Alpine who put in a ‘good shift’ and the return of Captain Cobain was a real positive.
Clogher played valiantly in the latter stages but it wasn’t to be and it is the visitors who progress to the next round.
Next up is the visit of high flying Omagh and the Valley will need to be at their best to contain them. 
From the Clogher perspective the young guns are maturing and many of them put in encouraging performances so we have it all to look forward to. They will be helped by the imminent return of David Sharkey. After six long frustrating months the word is he is close to a return. It may not be next week but it is a day all in the Valley are relishing.