BALLYNAHINCH 2ND ........................... 14
CLOGHER VALLEY................................. 20
Clogher Valley started with the wind behind them. An early attack led to a penalty, which was missed. 'Hinch now attacked through their backs to both wings but good defence by Clogher Valley kept them out. Ali Breen made a great break but was held short.
The forwards took the ball on but again held up, resulting in a Ballynahinch scrum, which they cleared. On 20 minutes, a penalty was awarded to Clogher Valley, which was converted by Wayne Lyons (0–3).
From the kick off, 'Hinch recovered the ball and a great tackle by Andy Breen resulted in a turnover and in the ensuing attack the 'Hinch winger was yellow carded for a high tackle.
The resulting penalty was kicked to touch but Clogher Valley lost the line-out. On the 28th minute, a great run by Chris Robinson led to a try by PC Falconer, which Lyons converted (0–10).
From the kick-off, Ballynahinch upped their game and put Clogher under pressure. The Clogher scrum was now beginning to improve. A Clogher Valley line-out on the 36th minute was lost and 'Hinch moved the ball wide to score, which they converted (7–10).
Almost on half-time, Clogher Valley won a very good loose ball, which Ryan Wilson took forward to the ten metre line and Gary Giles took the prop pass, handed off a 'Hinch back and scored, which young Lyons converted (7–17).
In the second half, 'Hinch started very strongly with the wind in their favour. After three minutes, Chris Robinson was yellow carded for slowing down possession. 'Hinch kicked to the corner, which did not find touch, but Clogher were turned over and 'Hinch scored a try from the possession, which was converted (14–17).
Clogher Valley then started to exert pressure on Ballynahinch and played most of the remaining 25 minutes in the opposition's half.
'Hinch only got into Clogher territory once in the remaining period but were tackled to touch and Clogher cleared their line. A great run by Ali Breen, taken on by Scott Clark, nearly led to a score.
As the game wore on, all aspects of the Clogher Valley game improved (fitness again showing) with 'Hinch giving away a number of penalties. The 'Hinch No. 8 was yellow carded for a late tackle. The resulting line-out saw the catch and drive by Clogher Valley held up. On the 34th minute Clogher were awarded a penalty, which Wayne Lyons converted (14–20).
This was a very pleasing result, although the line-outs did not perform as well as they should. The scrummage was good and Stephen Baxter ("Man of the Match') won some great 50/50 ball. A sound performance against a senior league club.
