Academy III 13 Donaghadee III 27
After two weeks without a fixture, Dee 3 XV travelled to Roughfort to play Academy 3 XV. The Dee men have learnt the value in getting points on the board first to provide a foundation for clocking up further points. As a result of perhaps being a little too eager to get points on the board, the opening 15 minutes were a little unsettled with a succession of penalties being given against the Dee. A mis timed pass from the Dee was intercepted by Academy and carried over for a try and a kicked penalty saw the Dee men 8-0 down.
After a few words from the skipper Andy Monson and pack leader Ozzie Gordon, the Dee men composed themselves by sealing up the defence, retaining ball, and concentrating on working through several phases which began to bear fruit as the Dee started to reclaim their place in the match.
The power hour commenced with a converted try from Andy Monson, who went on to score a further try in the second half, followed by tries from Chris Scott and Ozzie Gordon. The try from Ozzie Gordon came from a line out on the 22 when he powered through the Academy pack to drive the Academy scrum half with the ball over the line. Monson kicking well on the day racked up a further 5 points from a penalty and a conversion. During power hour, Academy were able to capitalise from a lucky break through the Dee defence.
With an overall good performance the Dee came away deserved winners with the final score being 27-13. Notable performances from non try scorers Jamie Wilson and Morgan Ellis.
The Dee 3rd XV will be looking to continue building on a very positive start to the season as they travel to Coleraine next Saturday to play the students at UUC. Training/social rugby continues at Donaldson Park on Thursdays 7.30 to 8.30pm with new faces always welcome. see more at :-
