Clogher Valley eased clear at the top of Kukri Qualifying One with a bonus point victory on the road over basement club Academy
Cobain, Dunn and Trimble came into the pack for Griffiths, Robinson and McFarland while Falconer had his first start after coming back from injury. Lyons is still on the injured list.
Academy chose to play with the wind and belied their lowly status with a spirited first half performance. It took Valley 25 minutes to break down a resolute Academy defence with a well-worked try by winger Andy Breen. Philip Holme, deputising for Ally Breen at full back , added the points. Academy missed two kickable penalties before half time and Valley turned 7 – 0 up.
The second half was all one-way traffic as Valley ran in five more trys.The prolific Holme landed four conversions ,two from out wide,to leave Valley comfortable winners. Jimmy Bates and Aaron Best were running the show from half back. A knock-on was snaffled by BJ Wilson. Falconer and Best put David Dunlop in for the second try. A high tackle on Andy Breen on the Academy 22 gave Valley a penalty.Skipper Sharkey turned down the kick at goal and Holme kicked to the corner. The lineout was driven towards the line and Ryan Wilson claimed the try.
Another lineout was moved left and when Bennett was stopped just short Sharkey was on hand to score the bonus-point try under the posts.Johnson Stafford and Timmy Moore came on for Ronan McAleer and Philip Falconer for the last quarter.
Keith Todd turned over ball on halfway and Ryan Wilson moved the ball left where Best, Breen and Dunlop combined to send Sharkey in for his second try. An almost carbon copy move involving Best and Breen again saw Dunlop scorch away for his second try just before the final whistle.
Valley have no game on Christmas Eve but travel to fortress Shaws Bridge on New Years Eve to take on unbeaten Cooke.
