REPORT Donaghadee 1s v Ballymoney 1s

HARD FOUGHT WIN ON THE ROAD

Dee league renaissance continues

Donaghadee made the long trip to the North West to play Ballymoney in the reverse fixture to the game at Donaldson Park late last year when the Dee men emerged narrow victors on the end of a 6-3 score line. Once again there were enforced changes to the side with Matthew Stockton injured and Ryan Irvine unavailable. On the plus side Paul Johnston was making his first appearance for the Dee senior side. Surprisingly the Ballymoney 1st XV pitch was in an excellent condition given the horrendously wet weather over the past few weeks and the Dee support looked forward to a hard-fought encounter albeit with no little trepidation as Kilraughts Road has not been a happy hunting ground for the Co. Down men over the years.

Although the Dee started strongly the referee penalised them on their own ten metre line and home outhalf James Campbell stepped up but his place kick went awry and the Dee returned to the fray and once again pressurised in Ballymoney territory. After twelve minutes played sound possession led to a series of mauls before flanker Chris Hamilton broke away to feed first Gareth Deering who in turn made a few telling metres before feeding Chris Good who was stopped short five metres from the line.