v Ballynahinch 5th XV (H) 2009-10

Donaghadee 2nd XV 22-11 Ballynahinch 5th XV

An indication of the increasing strength of Donaghadee Rugby Club was seen when the club’s second fifteen ended their playing season with a 22–11 win over Ballynahinch Fifths on the “wee” pitch at Donaldson Park on Saturday.

The hosts started up the hill and into a fresh breeze. The first half hour of the game was tough, with things quite evenly matched and the ‘Hinch having the territorial advantage. However, some great defensive work by Donaghadee’s back row of Darragh ‘Skippy’ O’Byrne (youngest player on pitch at 18), and 'veteran' Vine-Thorpe (more than 3 times as old!) kept the score at nil each for over half an hour. When the ‘Hinch picked up a 3 pointer near the break it looked like Donaghadee would be playing catch-up in the second half. The players had other ideas.

As the half-time whistle came near, Donaghadee’s bruiser forwards, with captain Andrew Dunn and Adam Torrens (better known as 'Beef') to the fore, burst through Ballynahinch’s despairing defence. A smart off-load to the Dee’s powerful hooker Paul Hamilton gave the opportunity to use his strength to power his way over the goal-line with three ‘Hinch men on his back. Half-time Donaghadee 5 – Ballynahinch 3.

Buoyed up by their great finish to the first half, the Dee lads came out in the second half looking a much better team. With the elements now on their side they were playing with the confidence that they have often lacked throughout the season. Their half-backs Lord and Marshall now took control, mixing territory and good running rugby. When Donaghadee took a quick tap penalty driven on by No. 8 Gav Prue, the spritely scrum half Nick Lord was able to dart under the posts and then convert his fine try to put the Dee 12 -3 ahead.

The touchline crowd began to build on the bottom pitch as spectators realised that this was the more exciting game at Donaldson Park on the day. And the 2s did not disappoint. An outstanding break by their No. 12 Colin Smith (returning from a long term foot injury) led to the next score. From some loose open field play around the half way mark, Smith gathered the ball and shrugged off some would be ‘Hinch tacklers and went for it. Finding himself in space with only the fullback in front of him he showed great skill and pace to chip the fullback and win the footrace to the line.

The score gap narrowed slightly when another penalty kept the ‘Hinch in touch at Donaghadee 17- Ballynahinch 6, but almost immediately a great cross field chip from Dee outhalf Marshall (and a quite favourable bounce!) led to flying fullback Dickie Bailey beating the defending winger to the ball before drawing the final defender to send Rodgers in to make the score 22-6 to Donaghadee. The ‘Hinch still showed great fight and courage and in the final minutes when their young loose forward broke away from some poor tackling, to race 30 yards for the final score of the day. Final score Dee 22–11 Hinch.

Donaghadee team v. Ballynahinch: (15-9) Dickie Bailey, Marcus Gibson, Adam Rodgers, Colin Smith, Andy Lennon, Stevie Marshall, Nick Lord; (1-8) Adam Torrens, Paul Hamilton, Garth Bennett, Andrew Dunn (c), Pete McQuillan, Vic Vine-Thorpe, Darragh O’Byrne and Gavin Prue.

Both teams, referee, and spectators applauded the refreshing style of rugby that was being played with ball being kept in hand as much as possible by both teams.

All of the 2nd’s players would like to thank their team manager Ian Fleming, with the valuable and selfless assistance of this season’s Club Captain, Andy Monson, for their hard work throughout the season. The club is already looking forward to Ian’s continued involvement as the Seconds build for the next season of competitively ‘social’ Rugby at the Dee, and to see Andy restored to full fitness for the season’s August start.