Donaghadee travelled to Rifle Park on Saturday to play Banbridge 2s in the first round of the Towns Cup. As has been the case all season the team sheet showed several changes with the influential Chris Hamilton and Jack Chesney joining Stephen Adams, Ewan McCracken, Paul Johnston and Danny McBride on the injured list and Ali Barnes unavailable for this fixture. Forwards coach Chris Good stood in at prop, Kyle Morrow came into the second row and Cameron Malcolm and Johnny Gamble played in the back row alongside the returning Sam Ingham. Although the earlier rain had left the pitch moist, thankfully it remained dry throughout the game and there was only a slight breeze blowing down the pitch. Banbridge were first out of the blocks and an infringement by the Dee at only the second breakdown gave them a kickable penalty which they successfully converted to take a 3-0 lead. Five minutes later they extended their lead when they took a quick line out around the half way line and the fullback sprinted into the Dee 22 before passing inside to the out-half who danced his way over the line. The conversion rebounded off the post to leave the score at 8-0. This spurred the Dee into action and they began to make inroads into the Banbridge half with strong running from Ray Dobson and Owen Roberts and winger Johnny Bell was unlucky not to score when he was bundled into touch just short of the line. The Dee continued this pressure and when the referee signalled for a penalty at a ruck Mark Cooper opted for a clever cross field kick which was superbly gathered by Matthew Stockton who crashed over for a try. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful to leave the score at 8-5. The next 10 minutes were played out in the middle of the park with both defences being tested to the full. It was the Dee’s defence which cracked first when a Banbridge forward burst through a couple of tackles before passing to the flanker who had a clear run to score under the posts. The try was converted to increase the Banbridge lead to 15-5. To their credit the Dee came straight back and a few minutes later scored probably their best try of the season so far. The ball was worked left and right a couple of times before being spun out to Stockton, after a sublime pass by Kyle Morrow, and the captain outpaced his opposite number to score in the corner. The difficult conversion was missed but the gap was closed to 15-10. As half time approached the Dee’s Ray Dobson had to leave the field with a knee injury and was replaced by Ryan Baxter. In the last play of the half Banbridge’s strong running No 8 made an impressive charge upfield and after a couple more phases the winger scored in the corner. An impressive conversion made the halftime score 22-10 to Banbridge.

The first part of the second half was fairly even with possession and territory being shared equally by both teams. Stockton was replaced by Davy Kirkpatrick after 15 minutes but had to re-join the fray shortly afterwards when Sam Ingham had to leave the field with a shoulder injury. Ten minutes later Banbridge increased their lead when their forwards went through several phases of “pick and go” before crashing over to score. Another fine conversion took the score to 29-10. The Dee were reduced to fourteen and then thirteen men when two more players had to leave the field due to injuries and as the result was beyond doubt the referee brought the match to a slightly premature end.

Although it is always disappointing to lose a game the Dee team should be proud of their efforts as all 17 players gave their all and showed they are capable of playing good rugby. Some individuals deserve a special mention, Chris Good, who lasted the pace and has lost none of his scrummaging expertise, captain Matthew Stockton, who produced another one of his excellent performances including a brace of tries and finally Owen Roberts who had undoubtedly his best game of the season so far and worthy of the man-of-the-match award this week.

It is back to league action for the Dee next week when they entertain Larne at Donaldson Park, kick off 2.30pm.