After an encouraging performance in Chambers Park last weekend it turned out to be a poor day at the office for the Dee in Donaldson Park against newly promoted Ballyclare. Despite starting brightly enough the Dee experienced similar failings in their game as had been the case against Cooke with firstly impressive Clare No. 10 Niall Lawther ghosting through a somewhat porous defence to score an unconverted try and then, after a period of sustained pressure on the opposition line a breakout from the Co. Antrim men led to another score underneath the posts – this time converted. The Dee then lost second row Jack Cooke, who had been impressive in the first period, to a yellow card and did well to restrict the opposition to a further three points. Half time – Dee 0 Ballyclare 15.
Despite the Dee scoring early from a Mark Cooper penalty the second half continued in much the same fashion as the first with the Dee putting together some impressive phases of play only to be broken down by stout Ballyclare defence, turned over and suffering in consequence. Ballyclare scored again before sustained pressure led to Kyle Morrow forcing his way over the line for Cooper to convert. At 22-10 the Dee were still well in the game with at least a losing bonus point now on offer but unfortunately the evergreen Ballyclare back row Willie Logan and Lawther contrived to score the try of the day and, in so doing, took the sting out of the Dee’s game. With the game lost Ballyclare scored a somewhat flattering fifth try to leave the final score 34-10 in favour of the White Hare men who will continue to surprise many in Qualifying One this season.

Whilst there is no question Donaghadee missed the fire of Billy Allen, Matthew Stockton and Paul Hamilton (together with the continuing unavailability of Nigel Barker, Alastair Barnes, Max Montgomery and Richard Martindale) there is also no doubt that the team has failed to fire as yet this season. This will come in time once the newcomers to the side learn not to rely to such an extent on the week in, week out stellar performers in the form of Chris Good, Gareth Gordon, Stephen Adams, Chris Hamilton, Alastair Lockhart & Paul McKenzie. Rugby is a fifteen a side game and although the Dee continue to play their imposing game from time to time this is only happening in patches which, combined with a worrying lack of concentration in defence when pressing the opposition line, is clearly insufficient to mount a creditable challenge in games in the highly competitive Qualifying One this season. Coaches McKenzie and John West will be insisting on a full turnout in training this week prior to the Junior Cup game against Belfast Harlequins II in Donaldson Park next Saturday in an effort to put things right and tap into the undoubted abilities the squad have as a collective.