Clogher open Towns' Cup defence with a win
Editorial Department • Published 2 Feb 2012 13:00
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Lisburn 10; Clogher Valley 25;
Clogher Valley opened their defence of the Towns' Cup with a comfortable if not stuttering victory at Lisburn. The current Kukri Qualifying One leaders started brightly enough as they raced into a 0-12 lead although by half time that advantage was trimmed to five points, 10-15.
However, Kyle Cobain went over for Valley's third try in the second half as they ran out 10-25 winners.
The away side began the game well and were 12 points up in as many minutes. Good ball retention and continuity was rewarded when scrum half Bates dummied and fed skipper Sharkey who cantered in at the posts for Best to add the extras. Valley disrupted a Lisburn scrum and the hosts conceded a penalty. The quick-thinking Sharkey took a quick tap and caught the Lisburn defence unawares. Bates and Dunlop combined to put Ally Breen in for a try in the corner which went unconverted.
Valley seemed to take their foot off the gas and allowed Lisburn back into the game. When a Valley player questioned a decision, the referee awarded Lisburn a penalty and Hughes obliged to get the hosts on the scoreboard at 3-12. Another Valley infringement at the breakdown gave Lisburn another penalty and Hughes took a quick tap. Good interpassing down the right flank resulted in a try for Finlay which Hughes converted. 10-12 at the end of the first quarter.
A pick up and drive by Ryan Wilson took play into the Lisburn 22 where Valley were awarded a penalty which Best accepted to stretch the Valley lead to 10-15.
Valley had opportunities to extend their advantage with attacking lineouts inside the Lisburn 22 but managed to get themselves penalised at the crucial moment.
As the game entered the second half, Valley continued to play in fits and starts. The sticky pitch and greasy ball weren't conducive to extravagant, fast-flowing rugby. Valley half backs Bates and Best kept moving and switching play but the Valley outside backs couldn't come to terms with the narrow pitch. Too often they ran out of space or were tackled into touch.
Valley took a Lisburn scrum against the head and Ryan Wilson provided the forward momentum. Several drives later, BJ Wilson was held up just short and young hooker Kyle Cobain stretched over the line for Valley's third try which was unconverted. Valley prop Bennett was carded and Moore came on in the front row with Ryan Wilson coming off.
Andy Breen caught a Lisburn clearance and stepped his way into the Lisburn half. Dunlop continued the move until he was hauled down. Bates broke left and passed to second row James McFarland who went in at the corner for an unconverted try.
Valley were now safe at 10-25 but were further disrupted when Best had to leave the pitch with a rib injury. Falconer came on and Lyons moved to out half as Valley saw out the remainder of the game without further danger.
Valley travel to play a resurgent Portadown on Saturday - the first of the massive fixtures in February which will determine the destination of the Kukri Qualifying One title.
This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 02 Feb 12
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