Clogher Valley opened their League campaign with a difficult away trip to Portadown.
The home side were relegated from All-Ireland rugby last season and, having recruited heavily, were determined to bounce back immediately to the senior ranks.
Valley were without Richmond, Baxter and Lyons through injury, but were first to settle as Portadown discovered that Qualifying League rugby was going to be as tough as, if not tougher than, All-Ireland Three.
Valley took the lead after ten minutes when the pack drove from the 22 for Giles to claim the touchdown.
Bothwell's conversion attempt drifted wide in the gusty conditions but Valley were up and running. Portadown out-half Gribben kicked the ball dead and the Portadown front row were penalised at the resulting scrum. The offenders questioned the referee and were twice marched ten metres. A lesson for all players that the referee's decision is always final!
A clever cross kick by Bothwell was nearly gathered by Robinson, which would have led to a try. The same player charged down a clearance kick from Gribben but the ball was knocked on and another potential try scoring opportunity was lost. Player-coach Kyle was putting pressure on the Portadown back three with some astute kicks to the corner but the score remained the same as half-time approached.
A Valley penalty was kicked to touch and Portadown brought down the dangerous rolling maul. The Portadown openside was lectured at length before Valley tried the same ploy.
The drive was illegally brought down again and when it happened for a third time,the Portadown loose-head prop was shown the yellow card. A fourth lineout was stolen by Portadown and a great try-scoring opportunity was lost.
The half-time whistle sounded soon after with Valley holding a 5-0 lead – scant reward for their first half dominance.
Portadown's Kiwi coach's words had an immediate effect as the home side came storming out of the blocks in the second half. Their pack took a leaf out of the Valley book and pounded the Valley line with driving mauls. B J Wilson was harshly yellow carded when the Valley pack was penalised for the first time. No five minute lecture had been given and no repeat offences committed.
Portadown continued to pound the Valley line but a gritty Valley defence kept them out. A wayward Portadown pass was intercepted on the Valley 22m line and Kyle kicked into the Portadown 22. Turnover ball saw Falconer in the clear for a try but play was halted and Valley were awarded a scrum when an advantage would have given them a simple seven pointer.
Portadown continued to throw everything at Clogher, but time and again were thwarted by great Valley tackling.
Giles, Best and Dunlop were to the fore with some big hits. Portadown's only reward was three points from the boot of Gribben 12 minutes into the second half.
Valley continued to frustrate any Portadown attacks and the final quarter saw Valley holding territorial advantage with only few responses from the home team. A rare Portadown infringement in their own half was punished by Bothwell, who restored Valley's five point lead.
An injury to 'man of the match' Giles ten minutes from time saw Rodney Bennett come off the bench and the game finished with Valley comfortable 8-3 winners.
Locals agreed that the scoreline was closer than the game reflected.
A great start to the new season for Clogher Valley who find themselves on the road next week again with another difficult trip to Coleraine.
Youth training continues on Wednesday nights at 7.00pm. All youth players from under-14, under-16 and under-18 are encouraged to attend and new players are particularly welcome.
Mini Rugby starts on Friday, 14th September, from 6.00–7.00pm. All age groups from P4 through to Year 8 are welcome.
