Rodney Bennett scores for Clogher Valley
Clogher Valley 46
UUC 0
Valley made one enforced change when McKenna replaced Wilson in the backrow. Bennett started at prop and Stafford returned on the wing.
It was a scrappy start on a wet afternoon. Valley dropped the kick off and then let a series of handling errors hamper any promising attacks. Already UUC were struggling with the power of the Valley pack at the scrum and in the loose but it was fully 10 minutes until Valley strung a passage of reasonable possession together which saw them drive to the UUC line. Unfortunately Valley were over eager and they were turned over and the visitors cleared to touch.
At the lineout Sharkey took the catch and was then driven 20 metres by the Valley pack over the UUC line for the first score. The restart was recycled well by Valley and when Captain Baxter found a gap he was well supported by full back Armstrong who was eventually brought down on the UUC 22 metre line. The Valley support was good and after further recycling Armstrong was put clear to score and Valley led 10-0.
The next 20 minutes were very stop/start as a number of injuries to UUC players who, whilst defending well, were struggling to cope with the Valley physical intensity. It was no surprise when a Valley forward drive, in which Robinson was prominent, released the ball for Bennett to score in the corner. Just on half time Valley scored their fourth and bonus point try when Treanor touched down after Sharkey was held up just over the line for a 22-0 lead.
The second half was more of the same for Valley. They continued to move the ball through their forwards and scored at regular intervals. After 50 minutes a break by Speers was carried on by Primrose and Bennett was on hand again to score. UUC tried hard to get into the game through their backs but the Valley defence was always forcing them backwards.
After 59 minutes UUC managed to mount an attack into the Valley 22 for the first time. However Valley turned them over and a long clearing kick sent UUC back to their own 22. Baxter and Sharkey were up quickly and turned the defender over and when the ball was recycled Ellis dived over and Valley led 34-0.
In the final five minutes Valley added two further tries bringing their total to eight, Firstly McKenna, who had run Treanor close for the man of the match award, turned over a UUC attack. Ellis made a good break and Sharkey was on hand to canter over. Then Armstrong broke clear from half way and when tackled just before the line was able to pass to the supporting Donaldson who scored in the corner.
For Valley a workmanlike 46-0 win without ever having to move out of second gear.
Valley have no game next week as they have a BYE in the Junior Cup. However the 2nds start their league campaign at LIsburn and the 3rds are at the Cran against Ballyshannon, also in the league. The youth also have a friendly against old rivals Enniskillen at the Cran at 11.00.
