Donaghadee 2’s v Belfast Harlequins 4’s
Match Reporter - Tom Northey

Dee 2’s battle back to beat league leaders.

Whilst the skies above were clear the pitch at Donaldson Park more resembled the farmers field next door than it did a rugby pitch. However, as Dee players just arrived before kick-off due to work commitments, the Dee men started on the front foot. After a period of sustained pressure Donaghadee opened the scoring with Scott Gardiner touching down the games first try in the left hand corner.

Unfortunately this was as good as it got in the first half, as a combination of good forward play from Quins and individual errors allowed our opponents to score 3 tries in what remained of the first period.

Half-time score Dee 5 Quins 17

After a combined talking to from manager Tom Northey and skipper Andy Monson the Dee men started the second period well. The swamp like conditions were not conducive to open rugby running, but after 10 minutes Dickie Bailey evaded 4 tacklers to blast 50 yards down the touch line and score to reduce the arrears, Andy McGrugan was able to convert the try.

Playing down the hill the home side were soon knocking on the door again. After the ball had disappeared into the ruck for what seemed like an age, it found its way back out and into Ozzie Gordon’s hands. Even though Ozzie was wrapped up by 2 tacklers he was able to barge over and with the referee close at hand the score was given.

Game on as the home side were now level, but with 15 minutes left could either side win it. More sustained pressure for the Dee in the opposition 22 eventually led to skipper Andy Monson scoring the winning try in the corner. Soon after the referee blew the final whistle to end what was an old fashioned battle in horrendous conditions.

Final Score Dee 22 Quins 17

A great effort from the Dee men especially to come back from a 12-point half time deficit against the league leaders. Jack Matthews, Tom Scullion and Matt Martin were immense in what was a forward’s day. Honourable mentions to James Small, Dickie Bailey and Andy McCracken on debut for the club.