Portadown 1st XV 8 Clogher Valley 1st XV 15

It has been a hard season for Clogher Valley thus far especially in the league but on Saturday they qualified for their fourth AIL Junior cup semi-final at the expense of a talented Portadown side. 
Clogher have been drawn away to north Dublin side Ashbourne in that semi-final and Joint coach Davy Black was delighted to see the hard work of the players in training being transferred onto the pitch. 
“That was more like it,” he enthused. “We are starting to get down to business after a couple of tough months but in fairness to the boys they stuck at training and what we have been working on is starting to click. I was delighted to see them get their rewards on Saturday.” 
He knows that Ashbourne will be a tough game away from home. 
“I suppose we would have liked a home draw but it is what it is and we will give it our best shot. I suppose we have avoided Enniscorthy but more important for now is the trip to Dromore on Saturday and we want to start consolidating our league position and get points on the board.”
Clogher Valley set their stall out in the opening exchanges with the pack laying down the ground rules for the proceedings. 
A Trotter up and under caused panic and the chasing Donaldson almost capitalised but the ball ended up in touch deep in the Portadown half. 
A poor over throw by Portadown saw Trotter gather and switch with McKenna who was cutting against the grain to storm over for the opening score. Trotter added the extras and it was no more than Clogher deserved at this stage of the campaign. A long range breakout almost caught Clogher out with Wilson at full back having to be a bit lively to avert a very dangerous situation. It was nip and tuck for a while before Trotter arrowed a penalty to the corner. 
The lineout was secured but the ball was moved before the pack got settled and a glorious chance was wasted. Nevertheless the visitors held the territory and continued to press. A great forward drive and an Agnew break was halted illegally and Trotter converted the ensuing penalty to stretch the Valley lead. Minutes later an up and under from Agnew seemed to be under control but the defender hadn’t allowed for six foot six Mattie Robinson who charged down the attempted clearance kick gathered the loose ball and sauntered in for the second Clogher try. 
It went unconverted but Valley lead 15-0 and quickly returned to the offensive. 
McKenna, Robinson and Ryan Wilson were hard to handle as the visitors strived for another score, alas it was not to be and Clogher had to settle for the fifteen point difference at the break.
The second half saw a complete role reversal. 
The structure and accuracy that Clogher had in the first 40 disappeared, right from the restart. 
Portadown grabbed the initiative and held it for most of the half. They unleashed their backline who attacked in waves forcing the visitors to defend at times frantically, frenetically and at all times courageously. McKenna, who had a great outing, made a marvellous cover tackle when it seemed certain that Portadown would score. 
A penalty reduced the deficit as Clogher tried to hold on.  
The Valley lads were still winning a fair share of possession with Sharkey turning over Portadown line out ball constantly, alas they just couldn’t execute an exit strategy to convert it into meaningful field position. 
Fifteen minutes in Portadown struck again. A sweeping backline movement resulted in a try wide out which went unconverted. Clogher would argue there was blatant obstruction in the centre but on the balance of play Portadown had earned their right to the points. 
The visiting Leinster official hit Clogher with a barrage of penalties as the game progressed. Portadown would tap and go and Clogher would cover and tackle. 
McAleer, Keys and Ellis were introduced all to make vital contributions when required. With time ticking away and Clogher digging into unknown reserves McKenna took a yellow for the team. 
It seemed only a matter of time before Portadown would strike again but thankfully no one conveyed that message to the fourteen Valley players. 
A converted try would have taken the game into extra time and Portadown were chasing that scenario with everything they had. Time and time again Clogher halted promising Portadown advances but with five to go Clogher were hit with another yellow card. This time it was full back Wilson being sent from the field of play. 
Down to thirteen with five to go was an unnerving scenario for the Valley faithful. Portadown eased the penalty towards the corner to set up base camp for remainder. 
The Valley thirteen were up to the challenge though and thwarted all Portadown attempts to square the game holding on for a much deserved victory.
Clogher now await the draw to know their semi-final opponents but much more important is the trip to Dromore next Saturday, this new found confidence has to be turned into league points.