Sligo 7-12 Clogher Valley

Once again, a first-ever visit to Sligo for CVRFC in AIL league round 7.

A large crowd had gathered, especially the Valley travelling support, in difficult wet and windy conditions.

In a forward-dominated battle Valley did well to come away with the points.

Valley had a late replacement when Michael Bothwell came in for Luke Russell who had not recovered from a knee injury in time.

This is the second time Michael has had to be a late replacement. Last season he left the pre-match meal to give a man-of-the-match performance, and he did so again yesterday with his tackling and strong running lines.

Valley were slow to settle but strong defence stopped any real Sligo progress. With the poor conditions, both teams were struggling to adapt, though Valley were heartened by holding their own in the early scrums against a much bigger and heavier pack.

After ten minutes, Valley won a scrum on their ten-metre line. Smyton sniped around the side but slipped. However, the ball was recovered and released back to Maxwell who using the strong wind kicked a superb 50/22 for Valley to have their first attacking line out.

Valley battered the Sligo line with fifteen phases of pick and go but could not find a way through.

Sligo turned the ball over but failed to control the possession and the ball was free in goal. Smyton showing good knowledge of the laws dotted down for a try which was then converted by Maxwell for a 7-0 lead.

The conditions then worsened with driving sleet. Neither side could obtain possession in what had become a dogfight for possession.

After 33 minutes, Valley had several penalties that they kicked to touch to exert some pressure. Another penalty and Valley choose a scrum.

Smyton picked up but could not make the line. However, a supporting Dunwoody was on hand to pick up and drive over. The kick was missed but Valley led 12-0. The score remained until halftime.

In the second half, the attritional nature of the game continued. Valley had most of the possession and territory and only a few misplaced passes stopped them adding to their lead.

On a number of occasions, Valley were camped on the Sligo line but could not find a way through.

After 60 minutes, Sligo managed to break out. It was Valley's turn to defend their line and one Sligo drive was held up over the line for a relieving goal line drop out.

Sligo recycled the ball and drove again for the line. This time however they recycled to their NZ out-half Cruden who dummied his way over against slack Valley defence for a try that he converted himself. 12-7 and all to play for.

The remainder of the game was played out on Valley 22 with Sligo mounting multiple attacks in which they were stopped short several times. The Valley travelling support were having a nervous end to the game. Valley defence held strong and the relief at gaining a victory on the road was palpable as the final whistle went.

A good result for Valley given the conditions and against a strong Sligo team. The win leaves them fourth in the league table.

Next week, Valley will be at Ballymena in an Ulster Shield game.

In the 2ndXV game, at the Cran, Valley lost to Ballynahinch 17-40. However, the score does not reflect the game.

Two yellow cards and a late try burst from Hinch were the deciding factors in an entertaining game which was 12-14 at halftime. The 3rd XV had a walkover when Virginia could not field.