Donaghadee 1st XV 22 Carrickfergus 1st XV 0
Donaghadee took a break from league action at the weekend keen to transfer their good league from into the quarter final of the Towns Cup. Beaten finalists in last year’s competition ‘The Dee’ welcomed Qualifying two side Carrickfergus to Donaldson Park who had already taken the scalp of higher league opposition in Ballyclare in the previous round.
The away team started brightly and showed all the confidence of a team competing for promotion in their own league. They took no time to set a rich tempo to the contest and their quick transfer of ball amongst the energetic pack meant the home side were forced to defend their lines in the opening stages.
The first half was dominated by Carrick possession and although they showed great endeavour to breakdown the Donaghadee defence, the red and green wall stood strong and disciplined, effectively clearing their lines via Paul Blewitt and Paul McKenzie clearances.
Although there was no shortage of good rugby played in the first half neither defence gave way and the half time whistle was blown with game remaining scoreless.
With Donaghadee having weathered the Carrick storm in the first half and playing into the clubhouse corner in the second period they started the second half with renewed purpose immediately dominating possession and recycling the ball in a style that had much more intent than the first half. On the 44th minute it was a piece of class that broke the cup deadlock. Matthew Stockton, who has flourished into a player who is capable of having a major influence on games from his wing forward position, collected the ball at pace just inside the 22 and thanks to his intelligent line of attack he was able to run reasonably unopposed once he broke the initial line of defence. A superb try to break down a previously resolute defence. Blewiit added the extras to give Donaghadee a 7-0 lead.
Donaghadee continued to dominate the early parts of the second half, with Billy Allen and Paul McKenzie starting to get more possession of the ball in attacking areas, but such was the quality of the Carrick efforts, the much needed second score was more difficult to achieve. On the 62nd minute Donagahdee were awarded a penalty and elected to give Blewitt the opportunity to nose Donaghadee ahead, even though the angle and distance was not entirely favourable. With little to no wind Blewitt stuck the ball beautifully and the ball soared over to the delight of the strong home support.
In the 72nd minute in what was becoming an increasingly rare Carrick attack a ball was floated out to their left wing, however Donaghadee’s versatile back Ryan Irvine read the intent and intercepted the ball just inside the opposition half, and it will come as no surprise to those who are regular supporters of the Dee this year, Irvine had the legs to run in for the second try of the game.
This was the score that ultimately secured Donaghadee’s place in the semi-final draw. In the closing stages of the game Mark Cooper collected a neat Blewitt grubber deep in the 22 to score under the posts. Blewitt added the extras to leave the final score Donaghadee 22 – 0.
Donaghadee are in good from as the season really enters into the business end of things. I have no doubt that although the Dee have had notable wins of late in the league coaches Paul McKenzie and John West will be just as pleased with the attitude and temperament shown in this tricky cup tie. Such is the depth in the squad at present a number of changes could be made without disrupting the quality of play. It was particularly pleasing to see Paul Hamilton return to 1st XV action and put in a typically gritty performance against a tough Carrick pack. Chris Hamilton is enjoying the sort of form that has seen him become an Ulster Junior regular in recent seasons and with the experienced heads of Blewitt, Allen and Gordon complimenting the young, maturing talent of Adams, Stockton and Irvine the Dee following have much to be enthusiastic about.
Powerade Towns Cup Semi-Final Draw
In an almost inconceivable coincidence the draw for the Towns Cup Semi-Finals has thrown up exactly the same fixtures as at the same point in the competition last season:
Ballynahinch v Donaghadee
Ballymena v Clogher Valley
Both Qualifying sides were successful in the 2014 semi-finals but it will require even more of a gargantuan effort to achieve a similar outcome in this season’s competition. The games are to be played on or before 14th March 2015.
Fixtures
This weekend the First XV welcome Bangor to Donaldson Park in another crucial Qualifying One league fixture. As ever there will be a very large crowd for the derby fixture so please make every effort to get there as early as possible to ensure parking facilities are available. The Second XV have their Forster Cup Quarter Final against Ballyclare IV also at Donaldson Park on Saturday with the Third XV home Butler Shield Quarter Final against Ennisikillen postponed until the following week. Both games kick-off at 2:30pm.
