David Black is in no mood to lose a second final this Easter Monday in the Towns Cup
By coach Davy Black’s own admission injuries may have played a part in Clogher Valley’s 18-7 defeat to Kanturk in the All Ireland play off.
The result meant the side would not face Instonians in a play off to go up to the All Ireland league, instead they must try again next year.
“Injuries may have played a part, but Kanturk are a very strong side and came at us very quick with a few tries and maybe caught us cold a bit.
“I’m very pleased though with the way the boys played in the second half and the guys that came in did very, very well. Two guys were making their debut and I have to say I was very impressed with their work ethic.
“Overall it was another learning curve and another bit of experience. Maybe injuries caught us, we have six experienced players out and of course they’re going to have an impact.
“They were a good side though, a good physical side, but I think if we would have had our full strength side I’m confident we could have beaten them.”
Disappointment aside Davy is now preparing the side for the Easter Monday showdown with Donaghadee in the Towns Cup final. Clogher Valley are three time winners of the competition and despite going into the game as heavy favourites will not lack for motivation insists Davy.
“It will not be hard to motivate the boys for Easter Monday. They are coming of a loss and I would hope they will have that extra bit of bite for the game. We have lost one final already this season and we’re not going to lose another without a fight.
“It’s not going to be an easy ride against Donaghadee, who have been in a real vein of form at the end of the season, but we know what to expect. They are very hard to break down, but we have played them quite a few times and know what they’re about so we will set up accordingly.”
Davy is hoping to have three or four front liners back for the game, but regardless of the score he is proud of the effort the coaching staff and players have put in throughout the year.
“We have played 33 games and along the way it has been absolutely brilliant. We made the quarter final in the junior cup, all Ireland final, won the league and now we’re in the final of the Towns Cup. By any junior club’s standards just one of those would be an achievement so for us to achieve what we have it has been one heck of a season.”
He added:
“If we go to Ravenhill with as close to a full side as we can and play to our potential it takes a bloody good side to beat us and hopefully on Monday we can bring the cup back to Clogher Valley again.”
Towns Cup Final – Ravenhill, Belfast
Clogher Valley v Donaghadee
Kick-Off 2.30pm