Published: Thursday, 11th February, 2010 8:54am

Defences on top in low scoring contest

by Editorial Department

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Clogher Valley 2nd XV 3; Ballyclare 2nd XV 3;

Clogher Valley's James McFarland securing lineout ball against Ballyclare on Saturday.

Late call ups to the Firsts and injuries meant last minute reshuffling for the seconds ahead of the home fixture against Ballyclare. Not ideal preparation for this Crawford Cup game and early play reflected this disruption. Not surprisingly, Ballyclare had the better of the opening exchanges as the Valley set piece, particularly the lineout, struggled.

Ballyclare opened the scoring with a penalty after 18 minutes, but slowly Valley settled to their task and, aided by some resolute defence, managed to prevent any further scores. Winger Damian Sheenan made an excellent tackle to prevent a certain try as Valley began to turn the tide.

Line breaks by Robinson, Simpson, Greaves and McAleer put pressure on the visitors and they conceded a penalty which Weir duly converted to level the scores just before half time.

Valley continued to dominate possession in the second half with a strong scrummage and improved lineout. Greaves and McFarland began to provide good lineout ball but the backs could not break through the Ballyclare defence. A break by McAleer was carried on by Robinson but possession was lost close to the visitors line. Valley forwards were guilty of taking too much out of the ball in good attacking positions and Ballyclare were able to turn over Valley ball and clear their lines at will.

Some excellent interplay between backs and forwards, with Simpson and Greaves to the fore, nearly brought tries for Valley, and Chris Robinson had a try disallowed much to the displeasure of the Valley forwards.

Ballyclare weathered the storm and had their own period of pressure, but on a day when both defences were on top, the game drifted to a 3-3 draw.The replay will be in Ballyclare on a date to be decided.