A bitter pill for Dee 2s to swallow when the hitherto undefeated side lost by a point to a very late Randalstown intercept try scored from inside their 22 metre line. Randalstown led at half-time 15-7 in a first half characterised by a frantic performance from the Dee men who once again were integrating some new faces into the side. The Dee did however score a try through flanker Matty Johnson, who was playing on wing for the second week in a row, converted by means of a drop goal from talented footballer Andy McGrugan.

The 2nd XV started the second half with much more composure as they settled as a side which led to practically complete control‎ of proceedings and resulting in Randalstown frustration with the home side conceding four penalties each of which McGrugan converted to give Donaghadee lead of 19-15. After a Randalstown player was yellow carded late in the second half all appeared rosy for another dee victory but, unfortunately, the ball was intercepted in 79th minute and the Dee defence outpaced to give the home team a victory they scarcely deserved. On the positive side the Dee's young team didn't take a backward step in what was an exceptionally physical match led in their fight back by inspirational Captain Stephen Cullen. This was the last game for a while for David Schofield who is heading off to University and for Gareth Martin who is off on a sabbatical to Brazil for a few months. However the Dee's conveyor belt of young talent continues with debuts for Stephen Deering and Daniel Warwick and hopes are high this will merely prove to be a blip for this excellent young side who, with a little more concentration and continued dedication on training nights, will undoubtedly challenge for league honours at the business end of the season.

ANOTHER LAST SECOND ERROR PROVES COSTLY AT DONALDSON PARK

A big crowd enjoyed the sunny conditions at the Donaldson Park on Saturday afternoon. Good Donaghadee debuts from Stephen Clarke, Elliot Vollands and Malcolm Jones with a return to Dee colours after 10+ years for ex Youth players Aaron Flaherty & Mike Proctor whilst Jack Walker was back from his “year out” in the US. The game also marked the return of ex 1s players after some seasons in semi & full retirement for Graeme Goudy, Ozzie Gordon, Andy Dunn, Graeme McMinn, Gavin Gordon, Neil Kerr and Jonny Orr.
In an evenly fought game where the Dee dominated territory & possession for large periods without reward Service broke away for a try on 25 minutes giving them a 7-0 lead. Shortly afterwards there was a close call when Orr was bundled into touch in the corner. An extended period of pressure towards the end of half resulted in the Dee finally breaking down a good Service defence for 3rd xv stalwart Mark Poole to crash over from close range. Dee again dominated in the 2nd half but the Service defence stood strong. Service fluffed a few break away opportunities to stretch their lead. The Dee took the lead with a Jamie Wilson (newly returned from London) try following breaks by Proctor and Gordon in midfield - 12-7. Dee again dominated territory but Civil Service never gave up and fought back for a 3 pointer with only 2 minutes remaining on the clock. They then came straight back at the Dee from the re-start and intercepted the last play of the game to score the winner. Fair play to Service for their never say die attitude and some promising performances from the men in red and green. However the biggest & brightest message coming out of the afternoon was..... 3rd xv social rugby is alive and well at the Dee so if you fancy joining the craic - get the boots out of garage and give Andy Monson a shout.

THIS WEEK

The 1st XV welcome Cooke to Donaldson Park on Saturday. The Dee will be keen to get a few points on the board as far as the league table is concerned after the disappointment of the CIYMS postponement three weeks ago and the difficult first league game at Clogher Valley. Results between the two sides have been evenly shared over the past few seasons with each side winning their home games in the last campaign. The 2nd XV have a week off and the 3rd XV entertain Ballynahinch Evergreens. Both games kick-off at 2:30pm.

CLUB COMMUNITY RUGBY OFFICER (CCRO)

The Club are delighted to announce that Guy McManus has been appointed as CCRO for Donaghadee RFC for the Season 2014/15. This scheme - which is jointly funded by the IRFU (Ulster Branch) and the Club – means that Guy will be working with local primary and secondary schools on a regular basis in an attempt to encourage youngsters to take up the game. Once the scheme has been up and running for a few weeks there will be various blitzes and fun rugby sessions taking place at Donaldson Park. Guy is a qualified coach and has been involved in the Mini Rugby set-up at the Dee for the last number of years and it is hoped that this initiative will eventually bring Youth Rugby to Donaghadee again starting with an U12 side this season.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS

Membership subscriptions for 2014/15 are now due and payable and members are reminded that every effort should be made to make payment to Membership Secretary Jonny Ballagh as soon as possible. The Club is always looking for new members and, if you would like to join or, alternatively an existing member who would like to pay by direct debit, the Membership Form is now available for download from the Club Website at http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/donaghadeerugbyclub/

CORPORATE LUNCHES

Pre-match lunches are a great opportunity to get friends or work colleagues together for a great Saturday afternoon out. An excellent two course meal in a relaxed atmosphere provides the perfect build up ahead of Qualifying League One encounter, The Club’s catering is provided by Bow Belles and a two course lunch costs £10 which represents superb value for exceptional food and craic. There will be a pre-match lunch before all of Donaghadee 1st XV’s home league games this season – dates of which can be found on http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/donaghadeerugbyclub/s/fixtures-results-101695.html. Bookings can be made by contacting Ian Fleming and a few places may yet be available for this Saturday v Cooke if you get in touch as soon as possible.