The encounter at Fivemiletown marked Enniskillen's first away trip in the AIL to face their familiar local rivals at senior level, with both sides enjoying strong starts to the season in Division 2B.

Ideal playing conditions provided the setting for an entertaining contest, with both teams producing some impressive rugby in a competitive opening half.

Clogher Valley opened the scoring after six minutes when Josh Kyle crossed following a lineout and driving maul on the Enniskillen 10-metre line. Maxwell added the conversion to give the home side a seven-point advantage.

Enniskillen responded with some determined attacking play, George Foster gathering the restart before making ground and linking with Sam Balfour. The latter beat his first defender but was brought down by a high tackle, allowing Adam Chester to find touch inside the Clogher Valley 22.

However, Enniskillen were unable to capitalise, losing the resulting lineout as the home side cleared their lines.

Clogher Valley enjoyed a sustained period of possession inside the Enniskillen 22, but the visitors' defensive efforts were impressive, with Will Stanley holding up an attack over the line after 18 minutes.

Stanley was again prominent when he won a turnover with an excellent jackal, allowing Chester to kick deep into the opposition half.

Enniskillen subsequently enjoyed their best spell of the opening period, with Oisin Timoney and Jack Rutledge providing some excellent front-foot ball to create opportunities for the visitors' back three.

However, Clogher Valley's defence held firm and the hosts extended their advantage after 30 minutes when Matthew Bothwell finished an attack down the left wing. Maxwell again converted to make it 14-0.

Enniskillen continued to battle, holding up another Clogher Valley attack before James Ferguson found space in midfield. The visitors were unable to make the most of the opportunity, with the home side's covering defence bringing the move to an end.

The score remained 14-0 at half-time.

Enniskillen came out strongly after the interval and were rewarded after 55 minutes when a lineout catch-and-drive from the Clogher Valley 10-metre line resulted in hooker Peter Reid crossing for a try. Chester added the conversion to reduce the deficit to seven points and give the visitors renewed hope.

However, Clogher Valley responded with two further tries to secure the victory.

Philip Wilson crossed in the 70th minute after capitalising on a lost Enniskillen lineout, before Ewan Haire touched down four minutes later following an extended period of pressure from the home side. Armstrong added the conversion to complete the scoring at 26-7.

The result leaves Enniskillen, newcomers to the AIL, in joint third place in Division 2B alongside Ballyclare, while Clogher Valley share top spot with Malone.

With both Fermanagh and Tyrone representatives enjoying encouraging campaigns at this stage of the season, there remains plenty to play for as the league progresses.