Clogher Valley RFC

League leaders Clogher Valley retained their table topping position with a narrow 10-7 victory at home to Coleraine, in the Kukri Qualifying League.

The Co. Tyrone XV left it late, for a second week in succession, place kicker Holme securing the points with a last second penalty.

It was a disappointing outcome for the visitors, who, despite being on the back foot for much of the game, had defended resolutely and limited their hosts to few clear scoring chances.

Clogher drew first blood after 20 minutes of play, retaining possession through several phases before creating an opening for prop forward Bennett, who charged over for a touchdown in the shadow of the posts. Holme added the extras. 7-0

Coleraine’s lineout was mal-functioning and ball retention was uncharacteristically insecure with the error count high but in the 30 th minute the visitors drew level when centre David Orr broke through and swapped passes with Niall Irwin before racing clear from the home 22 for a fine score, David Andrews converting. H.T. 7-7.

There was no shortage of effort from both sides during the second half but the heavy underfoot conditions and the presence of a tricky wind meant that there was little in the way of continuity.

Clogher did have opportunities to put more points on the board, Andy Breen being forced into touch with the line beckoning, after 58 minutes of play and when Coleraine’s Ryan Gibson was yellow carded it appeared that they would immediately take advantage.

A spirited and disciplined defence from the visitors, however, continued to frustrate the Clogher effort and as the game entered the final minute of play the scores remained tied. Then came that late, late penalty award and the subsequent victory which keeps Valley’s league title ambitions alive and should guarantee a bumper crowd at Sandel Lodge next month for the return fixture.

Coleraine.

Cochrane.B.;Irwin.N.,Orr.D.,Simpson.S.,Gourley.A.;Andrews.D.,Roxborough.P.;Carey.J.,Ferguson.D.,Hunter.M.;Cochrane.R.,Hunt.W.;Gibson.R.,Douglas.S.,Neely.A.

Subs: Jefferson.S., Jordan.G. (both played)