Valley seconds reach Crawford Cup final for the first time in their history

Clogher Valley 2nd XV created history on Saturday as they secured their place in the Crawford Cup final for the first time.

In an absolute roller coaster, it was a white-knuckle ride like no other. This was the third meeting between these two sides this season with the sides sharing a win apeice.

Armagh are an excellent side and judging by the support they arrived with they were confident of their ability to reach the final.

The Valley started the brightest and soon were a penalty to the good. Neil Trotter putting the opening three points on the score board.

Armagh surprisingly spurned several penalty chances to opt for the corner.

Despite the presence of their 6ft 7inch second row forward the Valleys Matthew Wilson and Joel Busby would frustrate them turning over line out possession time and time again.

Eleven minutes in and after a sustained period of Valley pressure Bennett crashed through two defenders for the first touchdown of the day duly goaled by Trotter.

Minutes later Taine Haire and Adam Boles combined to send Neil Trotter clear for an excellent try which he himself goaled.

With 17 points up in the first quarter what could go wrong.

Stung by the early reversal Armagh set about addressing the arrears.

They would dominate the second quarter for long periods and eventually were rewarded with a converted try as the clock eased towards half time.

The Valley was desperately holding on but were hit by a sucker punch.

In a movement that contained a deliberate knock on and an actual knock on Armagh were awarded a try which was duly converted to leave the half time deficit at a meagre three points.

Minutes into the second half Trotter struck a great penalty deep into the Armagh half.

Joel Busby rose to secure and cleverly moved the point of attack, prop forward Stephen McWilliams crashed through the split Armagh rear guard to storm in for the Valleys opening salvo of the second half.

This one was not converted but nevertheless an excellent start to the resumption of play.

Armagh bounced back almost immediately, indecision resulted in turn over possession and they would soon cross for their third try which when converted bought it back to a one-point contest.

After a period of punch and counter punch Trotter eased his side further ahead with a well taken penalty but a 25-21 lead was far from security.

The game was held up for a period as an Armagh player was seriously hurt but upon resumption the visitors were to dominate for a stretch.

Surprisingly they again spurned kickable penalties to run the ball and as it turned out one converted would have won it for them.

They did eventually get rewarded with a converted try which gave them the lead for the first time in the game.

As the minutes ticked away both sides sought a decisive blow in what was a tremendous game of rugby.

A little bit of Taine Haire magic was to prove pivotal.

Haire the younger, like his older brother can make things happen and create havoc in opposition defences.

In an arcing run he outstripped most of the Armagh defence before fixing the final defender and putting Adam Boles in at the corner flag for what was to be the winning try.

The Valley held on in the final minutes to be greeted by great scenes of jubilation at the final whistle.

In a history making season in the Valley, the 2nd XV have added their own piece of history with this first ever appearance in the Crawford Cup final.

The entire squad and the management team of David Speers and Ian McKeown are to be congratulated on this fine achievement.

Details of the final will be published later, when known.