Both teams were committed to playing the game with the ball in hand, with the Rainey team looking particularly effective. Their half back combination of Cameron Fulton and Niall Keenan managed the game effectively and kept their team on the front foot for long periods of the game.
The Magherafelt side opened the scoring in the 6th minute of the game when good interchanges of play involving both forwards and backs, presented Odhran Islas with the opportunity to run in for an unconverted try. Clogher Valley responded positively and will have been disappointed not to have put points on the board when the opportunities arose.
Rainey then doubled their lead to 10-0 after 23 minutes when a prolonged period of possession was rewarded when Ronan Mulhern touched down for an unconverted try. Just before the break Fulton put the Rainey team into a 15 point lead when he took advantage of some good work from the Rainey backs to touch down.
Rainey extended their lead just a couple of minutes after the interval, Daniel O’Neill notching an unconverted try. Five minutes later Fulton and David Johnston played leading roles in a Rainey attack which finished with in Adrian Walker going over for a 25-0 lead. Then, Fintan Quinn took possession of the ball from a turnover and finished off with a try. Fulton added the extras to put the Rainey team into a 32-0 lead.
Clogher Valley displayed great commitment throughout the game and got some reward for their endeavours when Dale Hall finished off a flowing attack with an unconverted try to reduce the arrears to 32-5. The Tyrone side had a couple of chances to score more points, only to be let down by a couple of final passes or poor decision making.
It was the Rainey team that finished the stronger of the two teams. Johnston and Declan McCusker touched down for one try each, both converted by Fulton converted, to ensure a 46-5 victory.
Jonny Gillespie, the recently appointed Ulster Rugby Talent ID Officer, presented the Man of the Match award to Rainey outhalf, Niall Keenan, at the post-match reception (pictured below).
The third game in the first round will be played between Omagh and Banbridge on Wednesday 25th February (kick off 7.45pm).
Following this game the draw for the quarter-finals will take place. The three winners of the first round games will be joined by Ballynahinch, Dromore, Malone, Portadown and Randalstown in the draw.