Match Reporter - Tom Northey

On a wet day in Holywood, the Dee men were hoping for a resounding win to take them top of the table to apply some pressure on Belfast Harlequins and local rivals Ards. Things didn’t start quite as the managers team talk envisaged, with 1’s hopeful Dan Lindsey getting a very early trip back to changing rooms on 5 minutes for some afters at the breakdown.

Whilst Donaghadee tried to play the game in a way that suited their mobility, Holywood countered this with busting runs by their powerful no. 8. Undeterred by some early forays into the opponents 22 which led to handling errors the away side scored the first try thanks to the ever-youthful Davy Scott converted by Andy McGrugan.

This settled the men from Donaghadee whose fitness superiority was apparent even at this early stage. This was epitomised in the second try of the game. After the backs cleared out a ruck on the right hand side about the 30 yards out, the ball was shifted through the hands of the forwards. With passing the backs would’ve been proud Jack Chesney touched down in the left hand corner for his first try for the Dee.

Holywood attempted to make a game of it. However, a combination of poor handling and an exceptional defensive effort by the short-handed visitor’s meant the home side were unable to make the most of the patches of attacking possession they had garnered. With the clock winding down the Dee men gave themselves further breathing room with a try form the live wire Dickie Bailey.

Half-time score Holywood 0 Donaghadee 17

After a cautious but encouraging pep talk from the manager all that was required was a fourth try. With the home side starting to tire surely it was only a matter of time!!! Holywood’s attacking forays were less and less frequent with the majority of the second half played in the home portion of the pitch.

The forwards were really enjoying the battle; Jamie Wilson returning from a skiing sabbatical was particularly prominent, one especial moment where he carried the whole Holywood pack, separately and in pairs, over a 30-yard bust.

Eventually the bonus point was sealed with another Dickie Bailey try, this time converted by Owen Bailie. Shortly afterwards, Owen was to score himself after missing an easier chance earlier in the second stanza. With the game almost done the few remaining fans were treated to a rare Gareth Doherty try. The veteran out-half dummying past his opposite number to score under the posts from 15 yards out, this was to be the final play of an entertaining game in poor conditions.

Final Score Holywood 0 Donaghadee 34