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League Match: Donaghadee 10 - 3 Clogher Valley (30/10/99)

"TWO MORE LEAGUE POINTS FOR FIRSTS

At a windswept Newtownards Road last Saturday, Donaghadee welcomed Clogher Valley for a Qualifying League encounter. The visitors were first on the scoresheet with a well-taken penalty goal. How well-taken this was, and how much the players were influence by the happenings in the World Cup was illustrated when three attempted drop goals, two for Donaghadee and one for Clogher Valley were all blown away by the wind.

Things settled down a bit after these optimistic efforts. Clogher Valley were slightly superior in the loose forward play, but Donaghadee began to dominate the line-outs through their clean catching and driving. After a series of these drives Donaghadee found themselves on their opponents' line. They turned over possession at the scrum on the Tyrone men's line, and managed to win the subsequent scrum. Philip McNamara picked up at the rear of this, broke to the blind side and fed Nigel Forsythe supporting on the inside. Nigel forced his way over for a stirring try.

The second half began with both teams looking like they had forgotten that the wind was still there, with a number of touch kicks flying directly out of play. Donaghadee then put on a pressure similar to that which led to the first half score, only this time the finish did not come, arguably from players choosing the wrong options. Taking the responsibility for going for one's opponents' line is a desirable quality in any player, but it carries with it the obligation to ensure that this option is the best on offer.

The pressure, however, was sustained, and eventually Donaghadee scored another try. After a series of passes, Ian Martindale flung himself over in the corner. The wind won the battle to convert this to leave the scoreline reading 10-3 to Donaghadee.

There was no further scoring, but Clogher Valley kept at the game, trying to get back on terms by throwing everything into it. Donaghadee kept their discipline and their determination in the face of this onslaught, and the final whistle assured them of two very important league points. Donaghadee's man of the match was John Carlisle who was drafted in to replace Nigel Wright. John showed all the sterling qualities he is known for, and had a great game."