Great Valley display in defeat

Editorial Department • Published 29 Apr 2010 09:15 0 Comments

Share this

Clogher Valley's U17s lost out narrowly to their Ballynahinch counterparts following a competitive encounter in which the 'Hinch fought back well to win after the young Valley charges had led by 12-5. Indeed, only a last minute try separated the sides and this was a valiant display in defeat by the Valley.

In the first half Valley were the dominant side. Unfortunately over elaborate moves and trying to force play resulted in turnovers or knock-ons reducing their scoring opportunities.

After 14 minutes, from one of the turnovers, Ballynahinch moved the ball from their own 22 and with several missed tackles by Valley their winger opened the scoring with an unconverted try. Valley hit back with some good passages of play particularly through props G. Miller and T. Donnelly.

After a period of sustained pressure a penalty in the Ballynahinch 22 was quickly moved right and the impressive throughout Chris Farrell, with a good line, was able to drive through the defence. The difficult conversion kick, unfortunately as circumstances developed, hit the post to leave the game tied 5-5 at half-time.

At the start of the second half, Valley scored immediately though Armstrong who then converted the try to leave a comfortable 12-5 lead.

Ballynahinch responded with their forwards leading the way with driving mauls and some aggressive rucking.

Valley were forced to defend, desperately at times, as their smaller forwards struggled to contain the waves of attack. Eventually the Valley defence was under so much pressure that they began giving away penalties. Ballynahinch kicked two to leave them only one point in arrears at 12-11.

The game continued with Valley struggling to contain the Ballynahinch pack and invariably losing the battle at the breakdown.

Ballynahinch were encamped on the Valley line for periods of time and only heroic defence by the whole team stopped a score.

In the final minutes Valley seemed to have weathered the storm with several relieving penalties. Unfortunately the normally solid lineout lost the final throw and Ballynahinch launched one last attack.

Eventually their left winger managed to squeeze over in the corner for the winning unconverted try. Valley had one last chance when they retrieved the kick off and launched a series of attacks. However a race for a kick ahead was won by the Ballynahinch full back who gratefully kicked the ball into touch as the final whistle sounded. A much vaunted Ballynahinch team will consider themselves lucky to have won.

Valley players will be disappointed but they have developed under coaches Bothwell, Bennett and Williamson into a good side. As they progress further into adult rugby they will form the basis of a strong 1st XV in future years.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 29 Apr 10

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.