Once again Andy Dunn’s men took the field against Ballynahinch in a J3 League game with a much changed side. Early season nowadays with the change in university semesters, late season summer holidays and changing work and family commitments mean that it is particularly difficult for the 2nd XV in most clubs to settle into any semblance of a pattern due to the inability to select the same or similar side each week.
The opening passages of play demonstrated the side’s lack of familiarity with each other and a determined Hinch side soon opened up a 7 point lead after a sustained period of play close to the Dee line which had been instigated through a misunderstanding in the Dee ranks leading to a well taken try and subsequent conversion. Soon afterwards the Hinch underpinned their early domination by scoring an unconverted try in the corner.
The visitors led 12-0 then at the close of the half & re-opened their assault on the Dee defence at the beginning of the second. At this point however the Dee repulsed these attacks and the pack began to come in their own with the back row of James Neill, Phil McCaughey and Davy Thompson prominent. Quick ball was now being produced and Mark Cooper and Andy Cash in particular were stretching the visiting defence. From one of these forays the pack mauled close to the line and debutant scrum-half David Devine evaded the despairing clutches of the Hinch defence to score under the posts with Mark Cooper adding the conversion. The side were spurred on by the score and only resolute defence from the Hinch was to deny the Dee scoring again eventually losing by a narrow margin of 12-7.
Although disappointed by the outcome the 2nd XV management team will have been encouraged by some individual performances and will look forward to improved results once some semblance of consistency in terms of personnel can be established.
This week the 1st XV welcome Dromore to Donaldson Park in Qualifying One, the 2nd XV make the reverse journey to Barban Hill and the 3rd XV have another rest day.
The Dee did the “double” over the Barban Hill men in Qualifying One last season but with the evidence of recent results being that Dromore are much improved this fixture is eagerly awaited by the Dee faithful.
This Saturday morning Ards RFC are holding a coffee morning in Strean Presbyterian Church Halls, West Street, Newtownards from 10am to 1pm in aid of the IRFU Charitable Trust – the organisation that assists injured amateur and professional rugby players. Members are urged to support this worthy cause if at all possible.
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