Clogher Valley seconds in big win over Banbridge

Clogher Valley 2nd XV.........28

Banbridge 2nd XV..................5

With the 1st XV on a rest week the 2nd XV entertained the faithful with this cracking encounter with visitors Banbridge on Saturday afternoon.

Skipper David Poyntz has a great group of young players in his squad with the addition of the veteran Rodney Bennet, and they moved the ball about with pace and accuracy.

Back from injury came Brent Scott, Alec Howe, Ewen Haire, for his first full game, and Josh Kyle with all making significant contributions. Indeed, all were involved in the opening score, Scott took a good lineout, Howe swept the ball wide, Kyle made the incision with Haire finishing underneath the posts. Debut boy Tom Nicholson added the extras.

Poyntz unfortunately had to leave the action with an ankle injury with Jordan Magner moving from the second row to the back row.

Strong carries by Bennett sucked in defenders to leave space elsewhere. On the half hour mark Haire would exploit this kicking ahead and winning the race for the touchdown with Nicholson adding the conversion.

Prior to the break Banbridge after a strong lineout and resulting maul scored their only try which went unconverted leaving the half time score at 14-5 in the Valley favour.

Minutes into the second period the Valley went further ahead. A penalty saw Jake Woods push his side deep into the Bann red zone. Good lineout and strong driving maul resulted in Ryan Phair touching down for a well worked forwards try. Nicholson added the difficult conversion.

It was nip and tuck for a period with both sides playing some attractive rugby. Jamie Morrow in the centre for the Valley was looking particularly dangerous.

Jake Woods scored the Valley fourth try. A clever chip ahead resulted in the Valley 10 out pacing the Bann defence to grab a touch done at the corner flag. Nicholson converted from the touchline to complete the scoring for the day.

A super break by Morrow was stopped by a high tackle resulting in the Valley laying siege to the Bann line for the last five minutes. Try as they could they couldn’t breach the Bann defensive line again and it finished with a win by nineteen points.

Man of the match award went to Jordan Magner for his control and effort after moving from the second row to the back row.

Elsewhere the 3rd XV lost in Lurgan

The Ladies won in Virginia in the Junior Cup with No. 8 Sarah Teague being awarded player of the match.

The U16 and U14 boys both lost to Virginia while the combined U14 and U16 girls both won.

This Saturday the 1st xv are back in AIL action with an away fixture to Skerries north of Dublin. The coach and players are appealing for as much support as possible to make the journey.

If not able to travel, there are two games at home. The 2nd xv are playing Ballymoney 1st xv in the Towns Cup and the 3rd xv are playing Queens 3rd xv in the league.