Lucky Valley must profit next time

Editorial Department • Published 4 Mar 2010 14:03 0 Comments

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Making some hard yards as Clogher Valley drew with Donaghadee on Saturday.

Clogher Valley 1st XV 8; Donaghadee 1st XV 8;

Clogher Valley can count themselves lucky to still be in the Junior Cup as they pulled a draw out of the fire against a spirited Donaghadee side that missed a penalty right at the end that woould have won the game. The Valley though will be disappointed with their display that lacked all the passion of last week's great fightback but at least they have a second chance, and it is one from which they will hope to profit.

Valley started brightly enough and after a Sharkey lineout steal, Best had an opportunity to open Valley's account but his kick drifted wide the first signal that it was going to be a day for both kickers will want to forget as both spurned chances to win the game.

Thereafter, the visitors dominated possession and territory in the first half and they would have been disappointed to have only an 8-0 lead at half time.

The 'Dee score came after 12 minutes when a slick backline movement sent left winger Garnham away for an unconverted try in the corner. Valley were contributing to their own problems with poor touch clearances and an unusually shakey lineout. The only aspect of their game which would have pleased the coaches was their defence.

Aaron Best typified that effort with a bone-crushing tackle on prop forward Goode which eventually led to him having to be replaced. A Millar penalty was the only further score before half time as Donaghdee led 8-0.

Clogher started the second half with more intent and forced a penalty which Best converted to reduce the gap to five points.

Bates then replaced Weir at scrum half as Valley upped the tempo. Valley had more of the territory but unforced errors kept handing the advantage back to 'Dee. Millar had further opportunities to extend the visitor's lead but the nearest he came was a kick that rebounded off the Clogher woodwork. Valley didn't claim the rebound but were able to clear when Donaghadee centre Gordon was penalised for not releasing.

The Donaghadee forwards were starting to concede penalties as the Valley forwards eventually discovered their game. The referee lost patience and second row Thompson was sent to the bin with ten minutes on the clock. Valley kicked to the corner and Sharkey claimed the throw to set the Valley forwards driving towards the line. BJ Wilson powered over for the equalising score but Best's conversion attempt again drifted narrowly wide of the post.

As the clock ticked down, Blewitt launched a high ball into the Valley half. Valley Captain Giles was sin-binned for taking the man out in the air and Millar had one final chance to win the game for 'Dee. Once again the posts remained intact and the Valley team and spectators heaved an almost audible, collective sigh of relief.

It's back to league action on Saturday at The Cran where Bangor are the visitors. Players and coaches will be putting extra effort in on the training pitch this week to try to put last ``week's problems right.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 04 Mar 10

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