Donaghadeee made three changes from the previous week, due to injuries chris Beattie and Chris McGivern replaced Marchus Gibson and Bobby Harpur in the backs while Richard Martindale made his first appearance of the season on the 1st XV in place of Phil Collins.
In near perfect conditions the early exchanges were fairly even and after 10 minutes Donaghadee opened the scoring with a penalty from Paul Blewitt. Play continued to be fairly evenly contested and after 28 minutes it was Ballyclare who made the breakthrough with a superb try by their Centre Gary Clotworthy who weaved his way through the Dee defence from 40 meters to score a try at the posts which he himself converted. Clotworthy added a further penalty for Clare after 30 minutes to extend their lead to 10-3. This prompted a period of intense pressure from the home side during which the visitors lost two players to the sin bin and eventually Dee number 8 Ian Martindale crashed over for a try which Blewitt converted to leave the scores level 10-10 at half time.
30 Pictures slideshow here from Ballyclare Ist XV v Donaghadee Ist XV – click here –
Now playing up the hill it was Donaghadee who created the early pressure and after a series of attacks inside the Clare 22 flanker Stuart Hutchinson scored a deserved try in the corner after good work by the Dee pack in particular Chris Schofield. The Dee continued to pressurise the opposition and two tries, a second for No. 8 Martindale and one from close range by Kyle Morrow extended the Dee lead to 27-10.
With a bonus point now secure Donaghadee may have relaxed slightly allowing Ballyclare to hit back with a well constructed try from far out which was finished off by their fullback after a good switch of direction in midfield. Clotworthy converted the try to reduce the Dee margin to ten points with 8 minutes remaining. Ballyclare were now striving for a losing bonus point but it was the Dee who finished stronger and after another period of pressure hooker Paul Hamilton crashed over for the final try which Blewitt was unable to convert leaving the final score 32-17.
Donaghadee Team : Bill Allen, Chris McGivern, Andrew Findlater, Chris Beattie, Rory Garnham, Paul Blewitt, Alastair Lockhart, Chris Schofield, Paul Hamilton, Chris Good (c), Kyle Morrow, Richard Martindale, Stuart Hutchinson, Chris Hamilton, Ian Martindale.
This Saturday (16/10/10) the 1st Xv are away to section 1 side Ballymoney in the 2nd round of the Millar,McCall,Wylie Junior Cup with a 2.30pm k.o. while the 2nd Xv are at home to Academy 2nds with the Kick off time at Donaldson Park the usual 2.30pm.
The next scheduled pre match lunch is on Saturday November 6th preceding the home league fixture with Omagh. Bookings for this should be made as soon as possible to Hans Arthur at Grace Neills or club secretary Jim McGrugan.
Jody Waterworth of Pier 36 presents the DRFC Player of the month award for September to Chris Schofield.
Mini Rugby News
The first Juniors 2010 fixture kicked off on Sunday with fantastic support and the sun shining at Donaldson Park, as always. Coaches Will (6 pack) Hopes, Andy (the Rev) Robinson and Lean Jack led their team of Ulstermen with 2 Wins over Civil Service.
CS kicked off with an immediate attack from Dee. A sharp pass to Matthew kept the ball in play and was taken forward to a superb Try within seconds from Joshua.CS continued their play and after a throw in from Oliver suddenly Harry B took to his feet and delivered an outstanding run leaving CS in the shade, a comfortable Try.Gareths stamina kept Dee on the move with quick moves from young Neil over to Oliver, in purple go faster boots, sending the ball in Matthews direction for a Dee Try. Coming to the end of the first half led Gareth’s tackling in demand grappling with the CS team opening an opportunity never missed by Joshua, a finishing Try.
Dee kicked off with a formidable pass from Gareth to young Will, opening a path for ‘Digger’ Robinson to bury the Try. A First outing for Adam impressed supporters with teamwork and a great pass to Harry E.After a forward pass from CS, Dylan led the throw allowing Will to run the length of the field with the Full CS team in his wake, Try.CS pulled together, gathering momentum however Dee accepted the challenge with a Try from Joshua. A professional Scrum allowed Dee to gain possession, Will returned the ball to Matthew and a Try was delivered with a smile from Harry E.
40 DEE – 0 CIVIL SERVICE
A Second match win found Dee delivering yet another outstanding performance for the young men of Donaldson Park. Chi maintained his robust stance and powered the field, delivering pace for Will and opening the first Try to Jack B.A determined CS pushed forward when Ben snatched the ball returned it to Jack and created the opportunity for Will to push forward. Digger Robinsons tackle created a spin and prevented what may have been a CS move forward. Jack B worked closely to deliver the ball To Jack and out to Matthew, opening a superb and well formed Try for Gareth.
Into the second half and CS opening with strong building momentum to be snatched by Chi, closely delivered to Will and finishing in a successful Try. Neil moved forward, back to Harry E, pushed forward from Gareth and an outstanding team play allowed Chi to bring yet another Try home for the Dee. The supporters wept with success as ‘Pile On’ was heard from over zealous parents. The crowd anticipation and undoubted support made the young men of Donaldson Park Tall and Strong. As the match closed and a Win insight Jack wrestled CS, passed the ball to Neil with a quick move forward Chi opened the ground steaming ahead, passed to Gareth and finished with the last Try of the match.
25 DEE – 0 CIVIL SERVICE
Youth Rugby continues every Sunday from 2.30 -4.00 for boys and girls of all age groups at Donaldson Park, Donaghadee.
