Valley edge derby cup encounter

Editorial Department • Published 21 Jan 2010 09:19 0 Comments

Enniskillen 2nd XV 6; Clogher Valley 2nd XV 13;

Clogher Valley edged this local derby in the Crawford Cup following a close affair that saw both teams turn in understandably rusty displays given the prolonged break due to the inclement weather.

It was Clogher though that adapted the best with Skins left to rue wrong options, handling errors and a lack of match fitness as the competent Clogher Valley side held on for a deserved victory.

Skins kicked off with a slight wind and it soon became clear that the long break from playing had seriously hampered fitness levels.

Most of the early play was scrappy but Valley's set pieces were stronger and they accordingly they shaded the territorial advantage, but it was Skins that opened the scoring when they were awarded a penalty 35 metres out and Rory Ferguson converted with a fine kick.

Skins then proceeded to hand the advantage to the visitors with a series of errors and they started conceding penalties and from one inside Skins' 22, Valley ran a short penalty and aided by some less than committed tackling they scored a converted try to turn round 7-3 up.

Clogher operated at a higher tempo in the first 15 minutes of the second period and deservedly increased their lead with two soft penalties. Skins did then burst into life and a strong run from Matt Drumm brought play to the Valley line, where he looked to have crossed for the score, but the referee who was frankly pedantic and over-officious throughout refused to award a try from his rearguard position.

Skins did have a further penalty for Ferguson to reduce the score to 13 - 6, before Valley lost a man. The hosts dominated the last 10 minutes with the outstanding Gavin Parke leading the charge, but the result slipped away. #Skins can improve with a diligent approach to training and there is still plenty of rugby to be played before this season is over.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 21 Jan 10

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