Donaghadee 1st XV travelled to Kilraughts Road last Saturday to play Ballymoney in the Quarter Finals of the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup.
Although Donaghadee have had a stuttering start to the season recent performances against Dundalk and UUC suggested they could have a good go at avenging the convincing defeat Ballymoney inflicted upon them at Donaldson Park in an early season league encounter.
Played in great weather conditions in front of a vociferous home crowd and a good travelling support it looked like perfect conditions for an open game of rugby.
It was however the boot of Ballymoney out-half James Cleland that dominated the score board during first half play as he kicked the home side to a 12-0 lead with four out of four successful penalties.
The home side had the upper-hand for the vast majority of the first half, helped in no small measure by their dominant performance at the scrum.
It must be said that Donaghadee did exceptionally well to retrieve ball from their own ‘put in’ at times (such was the forward surge of Ballymoney) however given the scrap involved just to retrieve the ball the amount of quality ball being fed to the backline was limited.
Instead most of the possession for both teams was very much limited to the pack forwards and on Saturday the Ballymoney pack was able to dominate this area of the pitch. They scrummed well, were quick to the breakdowns, rucked well and such was their dominance in this area the rugby ball was rarely transferred through their backline in attack and instead the backline was used to effectively kick into space, allowing this forward dominant game to occur within the area that Donaghadee penalties could be punished.
Unfortunately Dee offences were inevitable such was the dominance of this well drilled forward pack.
During the second half Ballymoney appeared to largely protect and consolidate their lead which made for a rather uneventful forty minutes.
Donaghadee’s level of performance certainly improved and for 15 minute of the second half they played the best rugby of the day with Paul McKenzie, Rory Garnham and Billy Allen all featuring in attack.
Dee forwards Richard Martindale and Gareth Gordon were effective in ball carrying duties in this second period, desperately trying to punch big enough holes in the ‘Money defence that Dee could exploit. Martindale was however sin binned mid-way through the second half for an infringement at the breakdown which did not help Donaghadee’s challenge.
Club stalwart Chris Good also left the field of play at this time with a reoccurring knee injury – however this gave another opportunity to Adam Torrans who put in a credible shift.
The home side rarely threatened in the second period however did get an opportunity to add to their score in the 50th minute with a further penalty. This was to be the last score of the game.
Although a frustrating afternoon for all involved credit must be paid to the Donaghadee back three of Allen, Irvine and McGivern who fielded their fair share of high balls during this contest from a range of different outlets from within the ‘Money back line. The did so with composure and an air of quality, without which you feared the home side would of increased their scoring opportunities.
Full Time Ballymoney 15 Donaghadee 0