CLOGHER VALLEY .................... 33
BANGOR .................................. 0
Clogher Valley Seconds achieved the double over Bangor with an emphatic 33–0 win at The Cran on Saturday. The hard work put in on the training pitch is paying dividends.
Captain Andy Donaldson and Manager Graeme Smyton have brought together an enthusiastic group of young players. With the experience of Ivan Dunn and Andy Bates in the forwards and Stewart Wilson in the backs, the team spirit and confidence has grown over the last few weeks. Wins over the previously unbeaten top two teams, Dungannon and Coleraine, have kept them in the title chase after some narrow defeats earlier in the season when a lot of players were out with injury. Confidence is high and the players know that, on their day, they can live with any team in the Junior League.
Last year's under-18 Captain Rodney Bennett, promoted from the Thirds, scored the first try after ten minutes. Forwards and backs combined before Bennett took a crash ball from Ferguson to score near the posts. Dynes converted against the stiff breeze. Ten minutes later, Bates stole a Bangor lineout and Valley set up the maul. Dunn spotted a gap down the blind side and went in for an unconverted try.
The visitors came back into the game but the Valley defence held out. The home team were putting together some excellent phases as forwards and backs combined to play the same style of rugby as the Firsts. After a period of sustained pressure, Wilson broke into the Bangor 22. He offloaded to the supporting McElwaine, who scored at the posts. Dynes added the points and Valley led 19–0 at half time.
With the wind advantage in the second half, Valley looked to increase their lead but Bangor came more into the game. Love, McCammon and McElwaine put in many big hits to help keep the visitors out. Scrum half Ferguson and Gary Alexander combined to put Stewart Wilson away. He jinked his way past three or four despairing tacklers to score an excellent try at the posts. Dynes converted to make the score 26–0.
On 25 minutes, the forwards set up good ball, which was moved left. Quick hands released Donaldson, who stepped inside to score halfway out. Dynes again converted and the referee brought proceedings to a close some 15 minutes early as Bangor were down to 14 men.
Johnny Love was named 'Man of the Match' ahead of many other close contenders in a spirited team performance. Chris Boyd deserves mention as he stepped in at late notice to play out half. He was able to bring the young and improving back line into the game at every opportunity.
Next Saturday, the Seconds look to continue their recent run of form away to Ballymena.
