The scene was set for a good game. Conditions where perfect for running rugby in this clash between Grosvenor and Donagadee. Donagadee coming into the match unbeaten and full of confidence against a Grosvenor side who had not had the same success as their last season. The odds were stacked against them. Grosvenor started well with some bullish defence esspecially from their back row.
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Things got better as Matthew Fitzsimmons slotted over a penlty give Grosvenor an early 3-0 lead. Grosvenor built on this lead after two tries from David Egner, who sneaked in at the corner and nicky Koch who bullied his way over the line. Grosvenor where 15 points up within the first 20 minutes and the smell of an upset was in the air. Donagadee however fought back hard using their big ball carriers to break through the gain line and give their quick backs good ball and manged to get two scores. The game intensified however this had little impact on the quality of the game as error count on both sides was relatively low. In the second half Grosvenor struck again. Grosvenor’s running rugby had been very good and Andrew Kelly was always a threat off the back of the scrum making good yards. A break in midfield allowed Peter McKeown to score a try in the corner. A supurb conversion from Fitzsimmons gave a comfortable gap of 22-12 going into the last 15 minutes. Donagadee weren’t out of it yet however things got worse when their flanker was sent off. This didn’t prevent them from scoring a well moved try. A missed conversion left Grosvenor with a 5 point gap with 10 to go. donagadee came back hard at Grosvenor and some great defensive work by Jack Adams and Fraser Graham, Grosvenor closed the game. A great win for Grosvenor showing they still have what it takes to beat good teams.
