BALLYMENA 4th XV 22 DONAGHADEE 2nd XV 40
This week Donaghadee 2nd XV travelled to Eaton Park, Ballymena to face the local 4th XV who have also had a good season in league & cup.
Problems started pre-match for the Dee when a prop had a late call off due to illness. This was sorted out by young Adam Johnson on his return from a serious injury moving into hook propped by Mark Mitchell and Elliot Vollands. It was probably due to the very late changes that Donaghadee got off to a slow start which Ballymena took full advantage of by going twelve points ahead very quickly in the game. The 2nd XV however haven’t had the season they’ve had by lying down and after some outstanding forward play Andy Cash finished off their hard work to open their account. Not to be undone, however, Ballymena hit back with a great individual try from their winger.
Then experienced Dee out-half Paul Blewitt brought his influence to bear by means of utilising the pace of a young backline and, after setting wing Andy McGrugan away, good support by Cash again saw him reap the rewards with a second try converted by Blewitt. Half-time Ballymena 19 Dee12
Now playing into the wind the Dee pack decided to take control. With Captain Stevie Cullen making excellent calls on defensive lineouts Ballymena were quickly running out of ideas. Combined with the back row of Owen Roberts, Matty Johnston and Jonny Stewart out half Blewitt was now running the game and full-back Dicky Bailey finished with pace after breaking into the line to finish – Blewitt adding the extras. Then with great work from the back row and Johnson close to the Ballymena line Blewitt now crossed and converted his own try. During this period the Eaton Park men picked up a penalty to stay in touch with the Dee who were now on fire. The fitness and pace of Donaghadee along with some very good rugby now took its toll on Ballymena with both Roberts and then Bailey scoring tries close to the posts and again Blewitt converted on both occasions.
Another excellent result for the 2nd XV then with solid performances from the front, second and back rows well supported by Chris Scott and Chris McGivern in the backline. Mention must also go to Josh McCullough who is gradually getting back to his best and the pocket rocket Niall McGrattan who is also improving with every opportunity afforded him.
BUTLER SHIELD FINAL
Donaghadee RFC 3rd XV will try to bring the first silverware back to the club since 2011 when they contest the Butler Shield Final against Armoy 1st XV at Larne RFC on Saturday the 11th April 2015 (2:30pm kick-off). Andy Monson’s men have been in magnificent form all season and have re-invented the art of social rugby at Donaghadee. The Club are hope to organise two buses should there prove to be the demand for it – so, if you would like to join the merry throng, then please contact Chris Good as soon as possible. Cost will be £10 per head and approximate timings will be leaving Donaghadee at 11:30am and leaving Larne at 5:30pm. The Club (and especially the 3rd XV guys) remain enormously disappointed that this Final will not be played at Ravenhill but it is up to the Club, its members and supporters to make it a memorable day out not only for Donaghadee but also Armoy who will be attempting to get their hands on silverware for the first time in their history in this their 40th anniversary season.
