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Youth Section Match: Ards v Donaghadee

"SOME FUTURE STARS

Donaghadee's Minis took on three separate Ards squads last weekend. They all put in a lot of effort, and produced some great flowing rugby. All the teams provided a good spectacle for the large group of loyal supporters. Donaghadee finally emerged as the winners by two games to one.

This was a great team performance. The players were a credit to themselves, their clubs and the game of rugby. The Donaghadee boys, and their parents and followers were all very appreciative of the hospitality of the Ards club. Players are reminded that weekly training continues, and that they should be trying hard to bring a few friends along for the fun.

P.S. The coaches have asked that best wishes be sent to all of the players who are sitting their 11-plus examinations."

Youth Section Match: Donaghadee v Larne

"LARNE WIN AND LOSE

Some club members were wondering if two simultaneous matches at Donaghadee had ever before been refereed by a father and son. On Sunday the club's captain and its oldest practicing referee (everybody knows that Donaghadee has a large number of referees who do not need to practice) took charge of the matches when the boys of Larne R.F.C. were Donaghadee's guests.

On the smaller pitch the visitors Under Fourteen side were altogether too strong for their hosts. Whilst it was not an embarrassment because Donaghadee tried very hard, the result was never really in doubt from early on. This was the first serious match together as a team for the Donaghadee boys and Larne were able to win too much ball. When they did, they had to much power and skill for the boys in green and red. By the finish Larne had scored six tries and converted two of them to win comfortably by 34 points to nil.

The Donaghadee youth coaches were not despondent, and the team members must not be. They were beaten on the day, but the areas where improvement is needed have been identified and regular practice will eliminate them in time. For a new team there were plenty of grounds for optimism.

On the bigger pitch the game was more of a true match. As they took the field Larne looked to have a big and strong pack, and many were asking if Donaghadee would be able to match them up front. Anyone who takes an interest in the youth side of rugby at Donaghadee will not need telling about the exploits of last season, and especially about the quality of some of the running skills among these players. These folk realised that if the visitors pack could be held, or even better, overcome, then they were going to see some scintillating rugby.

It did not take too long for the Donaghadee eight to show that they were up for a contest. As soon as they could release good ball to the backs they did so. Twice in the space of a few minutes Richard Sherwood shook himself free on the right wing and showed the Larne cover his tail as he scorched over their line. Unfortunately the first of these was correctly ruled out of play by the sharp-eyed touch judge so only one of these impressive runs produced the points.

It did not take the forwards long to show what they could do when given the opportunity. A good concerted move took the ball inexorably to the Larne line, where David Bird secured the try which everyone could see coming. Larne, through Kieron Mackey, showed that they were not out of it with a well taken penalty goal. This served to alert Donaghadee that they need not become careless.

After half time Donaghadee began to look even better than they had in the first half. Nigel Barker delighted everyone with a superb individualist's try from scrum-half, and a few minutes later the forwards made another crucial contribution with a storming try from Stephen Chivers from the flank.

This was a most enjoyable game to watch, and more importantly was most encouraging for the future. Donaghadee's long involvement in Youth Rugby has produced many First Fifteen players and not a few Senior players over the years, and it looks very much like the people involved as we approach the Millennium intend to continue producing the goods."

Youth Section Match: All Ireland U14 Tournament

"ALL IRELAND CHAMPIONS!! (Again!!)

Right on cue, just as the positive note about the future of Donaghadee R.F.C. is being struck, along come the youth of the club. While the club's First Fifteen were in Limavady, their Under 14 side was in Dublin playing in the All-Ireland Tournament.

On the same Saturday this team went to the grounds of the Barn Hall club to defend the cup won by their clubmates last season. Because of the confidence in the side and just because Donaghadee supporters are the best, a good crowd went with them. Perhaps it was just the players' skills and commitment, or maybe the spectators did lift the players a wee bit, but the Donaghadee team performed heroically all day - finishing by winning the cup for the second time in two years.

On the following day a party of 120 Scots traveled over the raging main from Wigtown Rugby Club. This super event sees all levels of football from Micros (under 8s), through Minis, Maxis, Under 12s, Under 14s, Under 16s and Under 18s during the course of the afternoon. This magical day is held every two years in Donaghadee and in the in-between years in Stranraer."