Valley second string loses out in replay

Editorial Department • Published 18 Feb 2010 10:15 0 Comments

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Ballyclare 2nd XV 18; Clogher Valley 2nd XV 10;

Valley Seconds travelled to Ballyclare for this Crawford Cup replay after the 3 - 3 draw at The Cran last week.

Despite a spirited and committed display by forwards and backs, it was the home side which progressed to the next round. The Valley set piece was strong with Greaves lording the lineouts and the scrummage functioning well.

However, Ballyclare opened the scoring with a try but Holme kept Valley in touch at half-time with a well-struck penalty.

The speedy Ballyclare backs added two more unconverted tries out wide but Valley kept on the offensive with Simpson, Trimble and Greaves to the fore. Openside McCammon put in a man of the match performance with excellent foraging and link play which kept Valley on the front foot.

The Valley pressure was rewarded when after a series of forward drives, Greaves forced his way over close to the posts. Holme added the points to narrow the gap to 15 - 10 and leave everything to play for.

With Valley continuing to pressurise through the forwards and some excellent work in the backs by Holme, Wilson and Orr, Ballyclare broke out of defence and were awarded a penalty in front of the Valley posts, much against the run of play. The successful kick stretched the home lead to 18 - 10.

Try as they could Valley could not add to their tally and Ballyclare ran out winners after two well contested games.

Valley have little time for respite, with aderby encounter this weekend when neighbours Enniskillen visit The Cran.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 18 Feb 10

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