Clogher Valley 24

Enniskillen Skins 0

Clogher Valley closed the gap on league leaders Instonians to just one point after a bonus point win over local rivals Enniskillen.  

The Valley took the bragging rights for the second time this season with a 24-0 win at the Cran.  

Despite the weather warnings from Storm Dudley a large crowd of several hundred spectators braved the wind and rain to watch what was an exciting match played at a break neck pace.  

Valley opened the scoring with a try from Ewan Haire out wide on the right touchline. 

Despite being awarded several kickable penalties by the referee; the Valley were determined to win with a Bonus point and opted to kick to touch closer to the Enniskillen try line. 

The gamble paid off when Haire crossed the line with the opening try, converted by Paul Armstrong from the touchline after 9 minutes. 

The home side were determined to run from anywhere on the pitch and Enniskillen continued to play into their hands by continually kicking long.  

At full back Haire revelled in the space and with Regan Wilkinson and Stuart Brown on the wings, the back three punched holes in the Enniskillen defence.  

Just after 25 minutes, a Clogher Valley lineout was stopped by a stern Enniskillen defence, but Jamie Allen, playing at openside flanker spotted a gap and raced through untouched.  

On the half hour mark, the Valley secured their own scrum in their 22, deciding to attack, they spread the ball wide with winger Stuart Brown collecting the ball at the half way line, he outstripped his opposite number and raced in the 50m to at Valley’s third try to lead 17-0.

Enniskillen threw all they had at the Valley defence but as the half came to a close they did not have the firepower to cross the line.  

15 minutes into the second half, the Enniskillen pack started to tire and the Valley increased the pace.  

An Enniskillen clearance kick was charged down and Callum Smyton was the fastest to react to score Valley’s fourth try and secure a bonus point. Paul Armstrong added the additional points for the Valley to lead 24-0.  

The home crowd expected the flood gates to open, with the Valley being the dominant side, however Enniskillen stuck to their game plan and disrupted the play at every opportunity.  

Coupled with driving rain and several Valley mistakes, the home side were not able to add to the 24 points.  

As the final whistle was sounded, the Valley had secured the five points needed to come within one point of league leaders Instonians, with both teams on 14  games played.  

The Valley in second place are 18 points ahead of third place Ballyclare and 28 points ahead of local rivals and fourth place Enniskillen, so any slip up by Instonians or the Valley could potentially hand the league title to the other side.  

If there are no slip ups by either team the clash between Instonians and Clogher Valley on the March 26 could determine the winners of league.  

Next up is CIYMS at home followed by another mid-week match against Lurgan in the Towns Cup.