Donaghadee 1st XV’s third successive season in the top league of junior rugby started at Donaldson Park last Saturday against Dromore. With two top four finishes achieved since their return to the top flight, the start of the new season was understandably met with much excitement and expectation by the green and red following.
The home side that included 3 debutants and a couple of positional changes within the backline, made a bright start in excellent playing conditions, playing the early phases at high tempo. It was however Dromore who made the very most of their first entry into Donaghadee territory with an 8th minute penalty.
The home side however added ten points in the five minute period that followed – firstly courtesy of a Paul Blewitt penalty and then via an excellent try by Rory Garnham.
Garnham who has been a prolific try scorer playing on the wing in recent years started Saturdays game in the outside centre position and needed no second invitation when out half McKenzie manufactured enough space for Garnham to use his explosive pace and intelligent attack line to exploit and score the home sides opening points of the day. Blewitt added the extras to give Dee a 10-3 lead.
Donaghadee continued to dominate this period of play and their clinical finishing during this period was ultimately a key factor in determining the outcome of this early season fixture.
On the 18th minute the Donaghadee forwards powered purposefully deep into the Dromore 22 through a number of phases, eventually creating gaps in the Dromore defensive line, one of which David Murray exploited to full effectt as he powered his way over the try line from close range. Blewitt’s penalty was pushed wide to give Dee a 15-3 lead.
Club Captain Ali Lockhart came closest to extending the home sides lead in the 28th minute when he collected a high ball on the half way line before outpacing the Dromore winger only for his neat chip over the covering fullback to be eventually prodded into the safety of touch. A fine solo effort that was fully acknowledged by the strong home support.
Donaghadee continued to dominate possession in the ten minute periods either side of the half time break – perhaps not surprising given the fact that the visitors received two sin binnings during this period. The home side were however unable to extend their lead and this determined Dromore defensive effort appeared to offer them a renewed purpose when they were restored to their full compliment in the 50th minute.
The effective Adam Torrans was replaced by club stalwart and Junior Cup Winner Chris Good in the 50th minute after a long term lay off. Good has become a key leader both on and off the pitch in recent years and he was quick to make an impact on this game securing loose ball and in turn powering forward in trademark style with his first touch of the ball.
Dromore reduced the deficit in the 60th minute after an excellent drive forward from their pack allowed their blind side forward to peel of the ruck to score the visitors first try of the day.
Donaghadee’s 12 point advantage was re established within minutes of the restart, largely thanks to McKenzie who did very well to turn over possession in Donaghadee’s favor at the breakdown. The ball was then fed to Garnham who found it all too easy to split the Dromore defense for his second try of the day.
Although Dromore scored a late injury time converted try it was too late to have any influence on the eventual outcome of this game. The away side will be disappointed that having worked hard to get back into this game in the final quarter they were unable to mount a real challenge and instead conceded a particularly soft try.
Donaghadee on the other hand will be delighted to have got the first win of the season under their belts at the first opportunity, in a fixture that they lost last season. Coaches McKenzie and Hennessey will no doubt be pleased with many aspects of this performance, not least the contribution made by their three debutants that complemented good outings by experienced performers such as Hamilton, Gordon, Martindale and Allen.
Special mention must be given to Paul Blewitt who started his 20th season on the 1st XV showing his versatility, putting in a committed performance at inside centre.
With set pieces performing well Donaghadee enjoyed long periods of possession on Saturday and with more patient play in the middle period of the game may have been able to score the additional points that their dominant possession deserved.
One thing is for sure – those that attended Donaldson Park will have gone home happy having witnessed a high quality battle of rugby football. If you have not been to a game recently you will struggle to get a better opportunity locally to enjoy live sport. DRFC would be delighted to have your support and as the club continue to face the same financial challenges as many junior clubs the support of the wider community is key to the continued success of this proud junior club.
Final Score Donaghadee 22 – Dromore 17
Scoops Man of the Match – Chris McGivern – Closely challenged by Blewitt and Martindale, McGivern continues to exemplify the type of commitment that this Donaghadee team have become notorious for in recent seasons.
THIS WEEK
The 1st XV travel to Chambers Park to take on Portadown who will be in buoyant mood after their victory at Bangor last week. Back at Donaldson Park Mark Mitchell’s 3rd XV open their league campaign against Academy. Both games kick off at 2:30pm.
TRAINING
With the nights closing in training has moved back to 7pm (out on the pitch) on Monday and Wednesday evenings.
ENTERTAINMENT
A new Entertainment Committee has been formed in the Club – so if anyone has any ideas or members have functions they would like held in the Club please contact any of Chris Good, Paul Blewitt, Andy Dunn, Bill Allen, Gareth Gordon or Niall Moraghan.
