Valley power ahead in second half

Editorial Department • Published 25 Mar 2010 11:55 0 Comments

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Johnny Love claiming lineout ball as Clogher 2nd XV defeated Instonians.

Clogher Valley 2nd XV 28; Instonians 3rd XV 3;

Clogher Valley's second string plundered another fine win in Junior League section one with a powerful second half display which continues their recent good run.

The half back pair of Lester Weir and Phillip Holme were the architects of the win with the power of the pack making sure their excellence was rewarded, especially in the second period.

Valley struggled to find any rhythm during the opening exchanges. Poor handling and a high penalty count allowed Instonians to stay in the game. Gradually the forwards began to stamp their authority on the game. Chris Robinson stole ball on halfway and Johnny Trimble rampaged into the Instonians 22. From the ensuing ruck, Ryan Bell fed Keith McCammon who cantered in at the posts for the game's opening try. Holme's conversion went wide but it was to be the out-half's only blemish in an otherwise faultless performance.

The Valley back row of Robinson, McCammon and Johnny Love were causing endless problems for the visitors - Robinson making many turnovers and McCammon scavenging on the ground to steal Instonians ball. Unfortunately, Valley could not turn the possession into points against a well-organised Inst defence and it was the visitors who scored next with a penalty after 20 minutes to narrow the gap to 5-3.

Valley's big second row partnership of Matty Robinson and Johnny Trimble carried ball into the heart of the Inst defence, ably assisted by the mobile front row of Colin McKeown, Sammy Simpson and Ryan Bell. Gradually the Inst defensive resolve was being broken down but the only further score of the first half was another Holme penalty to leave the score 8-3 at half time.

The speedy Inst back line were willing to run ball back at any opportunity but the Valley centre pairing of Stewart Wilson and Davy Speer denied them any space. The back three of Andy Donaldson, Ally Ferguson and Keith Todd were solid in defence and attack and could have added to Valley's points tally if passes had gone to hand.

Holme then had to make a temporary switch to the wing to recover full vision after an eye injury.T he Inst defence began to creak and the Robinson brothers and Speer made good breaks to force play into the Inst half.

McCammon picked the Inst pocket on two occasions and was instrumental in Holme addeding two further penalties to stretch Valley's lead to 14-3.

Inst were completely on the back foot as Valley went for the kill. Bell made a surging drive down the blind side sucking in several defenders. Weir moved the ball left to Holme, Wilson and Speer who sent Chris Robinson in for an well executed try. Holme converted for 21-3.

On the restart, Holme sent Todd through a gap on the halfway line. The Inst full back made a desperate tackle and claimed the ball but it was knocked on and Speer had the simplest of tasks to dot down for the final try of the game. Holme's successful conversion brought the final score to 28-3. Manager Graeme Smyton and injured Captain Willie Irvine will be hoping that the 2nd XV can maintain this form for the remaining League fixtures.

The Firsts are back in League action at The Cran on Saturday after an enforced break with the cancellation of last week's game at Cooke. Bangor are the visitors as Valley build up for the showpiece Easter Monday Powerade Towns Cup final at Ravenhill. Valley will play the winners of the other semi-final between Dungannon 2nds and Ballymoney to be held this Saturday in Dungannon.

Adult spectator and Family buses have been arranged. Supporters are encouraged to add their names to the lists in the Jubilee Bar as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 25 Mar 10

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