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02/09/2006 - Donaghadee 15 - Dromore 11

Whilst hardly the greatest day in the clubs history, the importance of opening game of the 2006/07 season can not be underestimated. The first Section One game for the club in over 40 years had been keenly awaited and with Dromore providing the opposition, this was always going to be the most rigorous of tests for the Dee.

Good relations have been forged with Dromore over the years and they were kind enough to welcome Donaghadee into the league and congratulate them on the recent promotion. However, with their vastly experienced side and the presence of recently retired international Neil Doak, Dromore had every reason to feel confident.

Known already for their ability to run the ball, Donaghadee were on the back foot from the kick off due to the atrocious weather conditions, with driving rain and a fierce cross pitch wind. Donaghadee kicked off and thanks to the efforts of the pack were able to force Dromore backwards from the first contact. With the weather as it was, it was never going to be an easy day for hookers and on the first throw of the day, Davy Thompson was able to pinch one at the back of the line – a sign of what was to become critical as the game wore on.

The first points belonged to Donaghadee. Coming from full back, Billy Allen chased down what seemed a speculative kick through and harried the safe looking Dromore full back. When he didn’t release, the penalty was awarded and Blewitt used the strong wind to sweep the ball over the posts. These 3 points were traded rather quickly however, with Dromore landing a penalty from the 22 line.

Having worked their way patiently to the opposing 22 area, Donaghadee opted to attack a Dromore line-out and came up with the ball after some scrapping on the deck. Pete Bennett fed Blewitt at out half and Crowe and Seymour in the centre skilfully drew the would be defenders creating a half gap for Allen to glide through, receiving the ball from Blewitt and outpacing the covering winger and full back. It was an excellent score and was due reward for the saturated crowd. Blewitt added the points. Score 10 – 3 to Donaghadee.

As the half progressed, there was little to enjoy in terms of dynamic rugby and perhaps had the game become a battle of 2 forward packs Dromore may have fancied their chances. However, around the fringes Donaghadee seldom came off second best, with new player Andrew Weir critical in getting amongst and frustrating the opposition ball.

The major disappointment of the first half was the lack of controlled ball in the line out with the weather undoubtedly playing a huge role in this respect. Andrew Dunn however was finding his feet as the game wore on and more importantly, new hooker Dee Herron started to find his man. Following a penalty after a late hit on the Dee no. 8, the home side had the advantage of their own throw, 7 metres out from the goal line. A rolling maul ensued, which was excellently marshalled by the experienced lock Gordon. Just short of the line, new signing Haywood Frazer picked up the ball and drove himself over the line for a score. A great way to mark your debut and it extended the lead to a more comfortable cushion.

Chances were scarce in the 1st half, with Dromore spurning at least 2 trying scoring opportunities, once due to a fantastic covering tackle from Pete Bennett at scrum half.

Perhaps with their tails up a little, the home side made one costly error in trying to run the ball out of defence deep within their own 22 area. They failed to retain it at the breakdown and the resultant penalty was knocked over to make the score 15 – 6.

The first half was finally blown up after 46 minutes, with a score line in favour of the home side but what looked like a serious injury to outhalf Blewitt. He did return for the second half but passed the kicking duties on to his deputy, Crowe.

Points were difficult to come by in the second half but perhaps more importantly, the line out started to function, Paul Proctor taking an early ball splendidly on one of his rare outings as a main jumper.

Mid way through the second half, Dromore eventually scored after a period of continued pressure. Andrew Drummond at prop and winger Scanderett were very strong on the line but eventually the culmination of pressure was too much and the number 8 was able to dart over from close range. Thankfully, the Dromore kicker opted to drop kick the conversion and this sailed wide leaving the score balanced at 15-11.

As the weather worsened in the second half, there was little to admire in terms of craft and movement but the battle at close quarters was fascinating, with the younger Dee side conceding nothing in the contact situation. Credit also to the wingers who had no ball to run with but remained alert at all times to the torrent of high balls that they had to field. Neither of them gave any ground. Doak also left the field with a knee injury and exited to generous applause from all spectators.

Donaghadee had one opportunity to kill the game in the final quarter of the game, after a barrelling run from Seymour set up clean ball 10 metres out. From the ruck, Bennett opted to go blind but unfortunately Dee Herron couldn’t collect the ball with the line at his mercy.

Donaldson Park endured the most tense final ten minutes that it has seen in quite some years, with Dromore launching repeated attacks in a bid to steal the game. The home side needed something positive to relieve the build up of pressure and Andrew Dunn at lock stepped up to the mark. For the last 10 minutes, he took apart the Dromore line out and stopped their ball at its source. On at least 4 occasions he leapt aggressively and muscled his way in front of his opponent to continually pinch their ball.

With a huge penalty count against Donaghadee, Dromore had every opportunity to win the game but the stubborn and well organised defence held on for an outstanding victory. This one was for the newly wed coach, Mr & Mrs. Cois Beukes.

Notes:

The 1XV travel to Armagh on Saturday 9th, coach from the club house at 11am. All support welcome.

The 2nd XV play Armagh 2nds at home, kick off at 2:30. All support welcome.