Dungannon 33 Clogher Valley 21 

Valley made the short journey to their near neighbours at Stephenson Park for the first-ever AIL game between the clubs.

As befitting the occasion a large crowd watched a fierce encounter where the heavy rain did not detract from the entertainment. 

Valley were quickly into their stride and within 3 minutes took the lead. Following a penalty, which hit the post, Valley recycled left and then back right.  

A cut-out pass from Maxwell found left winger Woods who put right winger Karl Bothwell into the corner to add to his try tally this year. Maxwell converted from the touchline and Valley led 7-0. 

Dungannon quickly regrouped and using their much heavier forwards at a lineout a well-constructed maul took them to the Valley line.

They continued to recycle the ball and whilst Valley defended well the pressure eventually told and Dungannon scored under the posts for a converted try and 7-7. 

The pattern of the game was established with Valley moving the ball wide as often as they could whilst Dungannon used their pack to gain ground and rarely moved the ball wide preferring to kick for field position in the worsening conditions. 

After 15 minutes, the Dungannon number six broke Valley tackles in midfield and accelerated into the Valley 22.

Though stopped, the ball was recycled quickly to other forwards in support. The space created allowed a long miss pass to the right winger who went in for a converted try in the corner, 14-7.  

Valley were having the better of possession but the Dungannon defence was allowing no progress, and Valley could not find a way through. 

After 36 minutes, a series of drives by Dungannon got to the Valley line and they added a further converted try to lead, 21-7.

After 51 minutes, a midfield break by Dungannon, assisted by some weak Valley defence, saw the supporting centre run in from 40 metres and another converted try, 28-7.

Again Valley were having most of the possession but were unable to find gaps in the Dungannon defence.

Throughout the game, Dungannon were more dynamic at the breakdown and Valley attacks were never allowed to gain momentum. 

Nevertheless, Valley continued to play their brand of rugby. After 67 minutes they reduced the deficit when Henderson scored after a series of pick-and-goes, again converted by Maxwell for a 14-28 scoreline.  

Valley were not done yet. They continued to attack and thought they had scored again but the referee, who had a good game, decided it was held up. 

 After 73 minutes, a clever Maxwell chip sowed confusion in the Dungannon defence and they were bundled into touch for a Valley throw.

A training ground lineout move saw Wilson catching and feeding Valley Player of the Match Jamie Allen at the front to drive over for another try converted by Maxwell.

Valley were back to 28-21 and at least a bonus point they deserved. It was not to be.

From the restart, Dungannon were awarded a penalty and went straight to touch. Their lineout catch and drive again could not be stopped by the Valley defence, and they scored a final unconverted try for a 33-21 win. 

On a day conditions didn't favour Valley's style of rugby, several passes went awry, and they struggled to get front foot ball throughout. Dungannon's defence was immense, and they used their bigger forwards to good effect.  

Next week, the 1st XV team will enjoy a break before hosting Malahide on Saturday 9th November 2024 at the Cran for 2:30pm kick-off.