Valley pack holds all the aces

Editorial Department • Published 25 Feb 2010 09:38 0 Comments

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Clogher's PC Falconer gets to grips with Dromore's Claude Crawford as the Valley qualified for the semi-finals of the Towns' Cup on Saturday.

Dromore 1st XV 12; Clogher Valley 1st XV 23;

Clogher Valley set up a potential semi-final against old rivals Enniskillen when they powered into the last four of the Towns' Cup following a superb final hour in which the Valley overturned a 12-0 deficit to score three tries and book a place in the last four.

Indeed, they could meet old rivals Enniskillen in the last four as they defeated Donaghadee to leave two teams from the West in the semi-finals of the top cup competion in Junior rugby.

Valley had lost narrowly to Dromore twice in the league but beaten them in the Junior Cup so they knew that this was going to be a tough encounter. Coach Davy Black was delighted with the win.

"We did not play well in the first haf but the boys were just brilliant in the second half. The level of commitment, passion and desire to win was evident and we tore them apart up front while the backs were very solid. We are starting to play the way we want to and while we are in the semi-final we are not anywhere close to winning anything. We can't look ahead and we will just see what the draw throws up. We have a Junior Cup quarter-final on Saturday and that is our foucs now," explained Black who also has good competition for places among his squad.

Things, however, did not look good for Valley as the home side raced into a 12-0. The home team started strongly and threatened to run a strangely lethargic Clogher Valley ragged in the first quarter. A loose clearance kick was gathered by full-back Russell who broke through some weak Valley tackles before off-loading to flanker Tamalii who cantered in at the posts. Thompson made up for an earlier penalty miss by converting to make it 7-0. Best had an opportunity to open Valley's account but his penalty attempt drifted wide.

Dromore mounted another attack and Valley turned the ball over on half way. Scrum half Weir broke on the blind side and sent Giles away. He kicked over the advancing Dromore defence but was cynically taken out with a late, dangerous tackle. Second row Fitzpatrick was lucky to escape with only a yellow card. He was off for 10 minutes but Giles took no further part in the game.

Bell replaced Giles but Valley were struggling to come to terms with the loss of their captain. Russell made another break before being tackled by Lyons. The ball was quickly recycled right and Tamalii crossed in the corner for his second try which went unconverted. Indeed, the Dromore backs looked dangerous every time they got the ball, particularly strong running centre Martin who had punished Valley in the two league encounters.

A combination of good Valley tackling and poor Dromore handling prevented any further Dromore scores and slowly but surely the Valley forwards began to get on top with the Dromore forwards giving away penalties as they tried to stop the Valley drives. The referee finally had enough and prop Simpson was sent to the bin.Valley opted for the scrum and the Dromore pack infringed again but the next scrum was driven over the line for Sharkey to claim the try. Best's conversion made it 12-7 at half time. The Valley supporters would have taken that when under the cosh at 12-0 down !

The second half was one way traffic as the Valley pack took a stranglehold on the game. Every forward played their part but Sharkey was imperious in everything he did. Duhig and BJ Wilson weren't far behind in the man of the match nominations while prop Philip Moore deserved a bravery award for playing on carrying a shoulder injury. Dromore couldn't get their hands on the ball and when they did they were forced into mistakes or hurried clearances. A huge Weir box kick was carried over and Valley had a five metre scrum. Once again the disintegrating Dromore pack were pushed over the line and Weir claimed the try. Best missed the conversion but Valley were level at 12 - 12.

Falconer then broke through the centre following a Valley lineout steal and Dromore came in at the side to allow Best to slot the penalty and give Valley the lead for the first time, 12 - 15. Soon after, Sharkey made a break down the left wing and off-loaded in the tackle to Johnny McClure on the 22 metre line. The big winger looked odds-on to score but Tamalii came out of nowhere to bundle him into touch at the corner.

Valley continued to dominate possession. Duhig forced some important turnovers at the breakdown and Best and Weir kept the ball behind the Dromore defence.

Another Duhig turnover gave Valley a penalty which Best kicked to the corner. The lineout was driven towards the Dromore line and Moore peeled off to score Valley's third try. The conversion was missed but Valley were totally in control at 12 - 20.

Sharkey chased another Weir "bomb" and managed to tackle and rob the catcher to set up another Valley attack. Weir kicked to the corner and Valley stole the lineout. The ball was moved left then right before Tamalii came from an off-side position to deny a score. The referee had no option but to send the impressive flanker to the bin and end his participation in the game.B

est stretched the Valley lead to 12 - 23 and the game was effectively over as a contest.V alley gave away a few penalties which Dromore tried to run but Valley were comfortable in defence and the game ended with Valley again on the offensive.

Valley entertain Donaghadee at The Cran on Saturday in a rearranged Junior Cup quarter-final. The Qualifying Two side are coached by former Irish International, Fermanagh man Jimmy McCoy, and are sure to be a tough test. Spectators are urged to turnout in force as Valley seek to continue their involvement in another cup.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 25 Feb 10

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