Clogher dump Coleraine out of Towns Cup

Coleraine Firsts exited the Powerade Towns Cup on Saturday after a hard fought battle with Clogher Valley at Sandel Lodge.
Bernard Mullan leads the charge against Clogher Valley on Saturday.Bernard Mullan leads the charge against Clogher Valley on Saturday.
Bernard Mullan leads the charge against Clogher Valley on Saturday.

This weekend the Bannsiders will face the same Clogher Valley team in the Kukri Junior League, the visitors holding a dominant top place in the competition, Coleraine lying in seventh.

The final matches of the league are important for Coleraine to ensure they do not fall into the relegation zone.

Coach Richard Beggs was disappointed with the result against Clogher. After the game he said: “They have a really strong pack and we struggled to come to terms with them.

“Overall Clogher put in a stronger performance on the day and deserved the win. I wish them well in the rest of the competition.

“We have to examine our tactics and come out this weekend with a positive approach and looking for a win in the league. Unfortunately we picked up some injuries today and we will have to look closely at out lineup for this week’s game.

“We still have a good positive attitude in the squad and we know we can still turn in strong performances. We will be looking that sort of performance this week.”

In the Cup game Clogher Valley took the lead within minutes as a strong opening attack saw David Sharkey crossing the line and centre Philip Holme converting. 0-7

Coleraine’s Bokkie Carstens pulled back three points with a well judged long-range penalty on 14 minutes. The visitors missed one penalty but scored again just at the break to leave the half-time score 3-10. Ten minutes into the second half Clogher again scored courtesy of PC Falconer, Holme converting. 3-17

Coleraine’s Stephen Best suffered a shoulder injury and was replaced by Arnie Hogg.

The home side stepped up the pressure in the next period, Carstens making a penetrating break from the halfway line but held out short of the line.

Coleraine made a further concerted attack and after several phases Carstens spotted a gap and dashed to the line to score. His conversion went in off the post. 10-17

Clogher scored again, Dunlop getting the touch down, Holmes converting. 10-24

From the restart Coleraine came close. Bernard Mullan made great ground in the centre of the park before sending Brian Cochrane tantalisingly close on the wing, only to be put into touch feet from the try line.

Coleraine had another close call from a five-metre line out, the forwards almost crossing the line but losing possession. Clogher cleared to relieve the pressure.

The final points again went to the visitors, Todd scoring under the posts, Holme converting and bringing the final score to Coleraine 10 – 31 Clogher Valley.

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