CLOGHER VALLEY....................... 26
ENNISKILLEN.............................. 3
Clogher Valley continued their winning run and made up for the early season defeat at Mullaghmeen, with an excellent all-round team performance against Enniskillen.
Despite the torrential rain throughout the week and on Saturday morning, the Cran was in good shape. The rain clouds gave way to late Autumn sunshine and Valley opted to play with the wind in the first half.
It wasn't long before the Valley pack gained a foothold in the Enniskillen 22. Sharkey claimed a lineout and the pack drove towards the line. Skins were penalised for coming in the side but Valley spurned the three points on offer and Best kicked to the corner. The home forwards secured the resulting lineout and scrum half Bates kicked over the forwards for Sharkey to win the race for the touchdown. Best added the conversion for a 7 - 0 lead after five minutes.
Enniskillen tried to mount a comeback but lost territory when a penalty was kicked dead. Valley again attacked into the Skins half and the forwards won quick ball for Bates to release the backline. Centres Lyons and Dunlop put right winger Andy Breen clear and as he was tackled he popped the ball inside for the supporting Dunlop to score an unconverted try in the corner.
Shortly afterwards, influential scrum half Bates was yellow-carded for careless use of the feet when trying to release the ball from the tackler. Despite the one man advantage, Enniskillen could not mount any meaningful attack on the Valley line. Valley increased their lead when Lyons found a gap in the centre and put a neat kick behind the Enniskillen defence. He showed his soccer skills by dribbling over and pouncing for the try. Best converted and it was 19 - 0 to Valley.
To their credit Enniskillen mounted a concerted attack led by strong-running centre Wilkinson but good Valley tackling stopped them crossing the line. Skins' only return for their efforts was a Carleton penalty after 33 minutes.
Bates rejoined the action and made an immediate impact with a superb tackle and steal which resulted in a Valley penalty. Best kicked to touch in the Skins 22, and when the forwards drove towards the line, Skins' captain Hall was yellow-carded for bringing down the maul. Valley again went for the lineout option and Duhig, Moore and Richmond picked and drove towards the Skins line. Eventually the visitors' resilience was broken when Sharkey forced his way over at the posts for his second try of the match and Valley's fourth, and bonus - point try. Best's conversion brought the half time score to 26 - 3 to the home side.
With the wind on their backs, Enniskillen enjoyed more possession in the second half, but try as they might,they could not breach the resolute Valley defence. The Valley forwards were outstanding with Duhig, the Robinson brothers and Skipper Giles putting in some big hits. Henry Richmond typified the Valley effort with a superb non-stop performance both in the set piece and all around the pitch. Once again the back three were secure defensively and full back Speer didn't drop a ball in difficult,windy conditions. The Valley backs dealt with anything Skins could throw at them.
As a result the second half remained scoreless and Valley ran out worthy 26 - 3 winners.
This Saturday Valley host Instonians Seconds at the Cran in the final Junior Cup pool game. A victory would guarantee a home Quarter Final tie on December 19th.
