Conference League
Malone 2s 39 Dee 8

On Saturday 3rd September Malone 2s ground out the win in wet conditions as Donaghadee showed tremendous spirit to push them hard all the way. With players slipping and sliding everywhere on a damp surface and any attempts at expansive rugby being punished with handling errors, it was the patient approach of the visitors which saw them dominate possession for long periods in the first half but ran into a tremendous defensive stint by Malone, in attack Donaghadee were the more clinical as they capitalised on their chances when they came with a score from young Andrew Armstrong. The Dee had Captain Dan Lyndsey and his pack colleagues Johnny Stewart and Phil Collins in tireless form. 10 – 8 at half time.

After an opening half to the game when the Dee had Malone rattled, the home side made the breakthrough when the number eight linked into the line and sent the inside centre crashing over at the corner flag, and although Donaghadee battled back to pressure the Malone line the home side looked to have the edge on fitness. The Dee set piece remained astute with the guile of Robbie Ingham at the base and the powerhouse pairing of Kenny McComb and Paul Blewitt outside a solid Danny McBride performance at Ten kept Malone honest. Donaghadee were still undaunted and continued to enjoy good territory but ran into a defensive wall and found exiting their lines difficult with the dangerous counterattacking Malone back three. The tiring Dee pack held firm and then began to exert pressure of their own, Steven “The Enforcer” Cullen made the breakdown competitive and Owen Roberts tackled everything in front of him.

The Dee is a much changed side from last year along with new coaching and back room staff. This game has produced many positives aside from the battling spirit and pride in the jersey exhibited by the fifteen men on the pitch. There are elements of the game to work on, these are a known quantity by coach Mark Henderson and through the weekly training sessions will see Donaghadee come back stronger for the next game against away to Randalstown in the Cup.

Report by Mark Nicholl