Clogher Valley eased into the third round of the Towns’ Cup with a comfortable victory over Coleraine to set up a tie against Armagh 2nd XV. Indeed, the reigning champions have been favoured with a home draw against Armagh 2nd XV in the next round as well, a welcome reward for another dominant performance.

Joint coach Davy Black enthused: “It was a good win, we were convincing in all the important facets of play and I suppose the only small, disappointing factor would be that we left some points out on the pitch. That said we dominated the lineout, scrum, rucks and mauls so we can’t ask any more of the players. We also had Aaron Best back on the pitch after six weeks out which was a major plus and then we got another home draw, which is all you can hope for,” said Black.

He does though expect Armagh to be tough opposition.

“Armagh defeated Bangor at the weekend and that shows that they are taking this seriously and may be even targeting a win in this competition. However, we have a home draw and that is always important, the injury front is looking more positive than it has in recent weeks and there is real competition for places building, So we have to be happy with the draw whilst knowing it will not be easy,” concluded Black.

While the final scoreline was comfortable for the Valley, Coleraine did start well and took the game to the Valley making good ground through their backs and forcing a couple of turnovers in a lively start.

Slowly Valley started to lift their game but then had to reorganise their side after 15 minutes as centre PC Falconer had to leave the field with a leg injury. Ellis who started well at scrum half was moved to the wing and replaced by club captain Best, returning after injury at Bangor, with Breen moving to the centre.

The impact was immediate. Valley kicked a penalty to touch and set up a rolling maul. When the ball was released a clever reverse pass from Best saw Sharkey barge over for Valley’s opening score.

Valley were now well in control as Coleraine could not find a way through the defensive wall that pressurised and forced mistakes. Valley continued to use their forwards to good effect with Primrose, Cobane, Wilson and man of the match Treanor all carrying well. On 30 minutes Valley extended their lead when the ball was moved quickly from a ruck and full back Armstrong, joining the line, accelerated through a gap for a try from 30 metres. Half time and Valley led 10-0 and playing well within themselves.

Valley continued to dominate and with the forwards playing a fast paced off-loading game Coleraine were hanging on. Valley declined a penalty in front of the posts but their scrum failed to produce the necessary points.

Valley were moving the ball well and the back combination of Stott, Donaldson and Armstrong created several telling breaks which were only just stopped by a tiring Coleraine.

It was no surprise when after 50 minutes Valley extended their lead. A line out catch and drive rumbled towards the Coleraine line. When the ball was released two quick rucks saw Best dart through a gap for a try and 15-0 to Valley.

Coleraine continued to try and create some chances but the Valley defence, with Treanor in particular making a number of good open field tackles, stopped them at the gain line. The Valley forward power was too great for Coleraine. Cobane was held up over the line and from the resultant scrum Wilson drove over and Valley were 20-0 ahead. It was the last scrum of the game as Coleraine injuries now meant uncontested scrums.

Valley extended their lead to 25-0 from another line out when Cobane was driven over. Donaldson provided a final flurry when he intercepted on half way. Having recently returned from injury he continually looked for support rather than back himself and was hauled down short of the line as the game ended with the Valley winning 25-0.