Valley hammer Ballyclare 37-10 to reach Towns cup Qtr final
by Bob Beatty
What can you say about this Valley side? Week after week they rise to the challenge and although the significant of each game increases it seems to make no difference. They just go out and perform as a team and win well.
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They had been beaten by Ballyclare in the Junior Cup on 7th Nov, their last defeat, there was to be no repeat. Valley demonstrated why they lead Q1 and are in the final of the All Ireland Junior Cup next week, and now the Qtr. final of the Towns Cup. Ballyclare with only one defeat this season in the Junior Cup Final against Ballynahinch 2nds were taught a lesson in complete rugby and fell to their heaviest defeat of the season.
The conditions underfoot were atrocious and there was real doubt if the game could go ahead with the touchline having six inches of water in places.
Valley started with a slight advantage in the slope but though winning the first scrum inexplicable lost the ball. It was to be their only mistake. They started to control possession and despite the difficult handling conditions Ballyclare were forced back on the defensive. When Ballyclare infringed after 4 mins man of the match Holme kicked the difficult penalty for Valley to take an early lead. They added another 3 points within minutes through another Holme penalty as a forward drive could only be stopped illegally by Ballyclare.
There was no let up for Ballyclare and after 10 minutes Valley added a try, converted from the touchline by Holme, when a rolling maul drove Ballyclare 30 metres over their own line and BJ Wilson claimed the try. Valley led 13-0.
Valley continued to attack and even when Ballyclare managed to get out of their own half they were quickly pushed back again. After 22 minutes Falconer took a ball forward on the half way. The ball was recycled and a reverse pass from Best saw Sharkey split the defence. A supporting Best took the return pass and cantered in from 30 metres. Holme converted and Valley were 20-0 ahead.
Valley were still not finished in the half. The Valley forwards handling had been exemplary given the conditions and after 33 minutes they drove BJ Wilson over for his second try. Valley led 25-0 at half time.
As the second half started Ballyclare kicked for position but Valley full back Armstrong gathered the ball and attacked leaving several Ballyclare defenders in his wake. Though stopped Armstrong released Best who in turn found prop Bennett in support and he went over in the corner for an unconverted try and a Valley 30-0 lead.
Valley continue to play superb rugby, given the conditions, but were less exact in their execution and give away several soft penalties. After 55 minutes Ballyclare reclaimed a loose ball in the Valley 22 and eventually drove over for their opening try.
This stung Valley and they quickly returned to the attack. Armstrong again pushed Ballyclare back with a touchline kick and then Valley won the line out. They were quickly into their attacking line and an oft rehearsed move saw Breen score under the posts for another Valley converted try and a 37-5 lead.
With ten minutes left Valley blind side defence was found wanting when Ballyclare won a scrum and scored in the corner but it was too little too late.
The game finished shortly after with Valley on the attack.
A month ago Valley had four daunting games in front which would define their season. With three won there only remains the All Ireland Junior Cup final against Enniscorthy, who beat them in the semi-final last year, to come.
So far results have led to a lead in Q1 by six points and a Towns Cup quarter final.
Going into the cup final next week they will be confident, but not complacent. They know that the standard and blend of rugby they are playing needs to be maintained if they are to win. But this Valley side is like none before. This is a more complete side with few weaknesses and a good blend of youth and experience. There is an attitude and a ruthlessness few sides can compete with. After next week we will know if they can deliver another new trophy back to the Clogher Valley in what has been a golden period for the club.
