Match Reporter - Mark Nicholl

12:30 KO
51-0

On the middle weekend of this year’s Six Nations competition the men in green were preparing for the next step in the domination of northern hemisphere rugby. Scotland were on their second run through of Braveheart. All those that steep themselves in the glory and spectacle of local rugby were being whipped into a frenzy of epic proportions for the 1230 kick off at the magic producing cauldron that is Donaldson Park.
The pitch had recently received some tender loving care and direct winter sun, along with a brisk dry wind, had encouraged some of the fresh green stuff to rise and the going to firm up, a bit. The eighteen chosen few along with the management team arrived in plenty of time for a quality warmup. There was a collective focus carried over from Thursday night’s training that brought focus and confidence to the Dee men. In order to deliver quality during the eighty minutes there had to be quality in the preparation.
The Donaghadee 2nd XV were ruthless in their execution of opportunities to post 51 points against the local rivals, with their 3-6 win on the 6th January at Stormont in an ill-tempered match nagging at the back of the rugby brain. Dickie Bailey (two), Davy Scott, Chris Scott and Jonny Gamble (two) all crossed in the first half to give the Dee men a 34-0 lead at the break, before Andy McGrugan (two) and Craig Gibson scored in the second half.
Despite the scoreline, the Service side created numerous opportunities with their running lines, interplay and kicks into space, but were unable to finish off as the Donaghadee defence was impenetrable.
“We came out here with plenty of grit, determination and intensity,” the Dee captain, Chris Scott, said. “Service have been playing well this year, I commend them on that. The scoreline probably didn’t look pretty for them …”
Donaghadee were ruthless in identifying gaps and taking their opportunities throughout the game and had sealed the win by half-time. They scored three long-range tries with Davy Scott (showing silky footballing skills), Dickie Baily and Jonny Gamble all crossing after keeping their width and exploiting space behind the defensive line.
Donaghadee dominated the final 20 minutes with Service valiantly defending for much of it and it was testament to their grit they conceded only three tries. A brace from Andy McGrugan either side of a rolling maul resulting in a try from hooker Craig Gibson.
“It was a comprehensive performance, although not a complete performance” was the summation of Team Manager Tom Northey. “The lads can be suitably proud as the work put into training has paid dividends on the pitch.”
Donaghadee were noticeably focused for this game. Communication was key with constant chat amongst the players. Discipline was superb with only a handful of penalties conceded the whole game. The rugby brain was switched on and the correct decisions were made. These points are to be carried forward for the remainder of the season.
Man of the match – Dickie Bailey
Honourable mention – Jack Matthews