Donaghadee 2XV climbed to second in Regional East League 1 following a fifth bonus point win of the season, this time at the expense of Ballyclare 4s. In a venue where Garry Smith’s men have experienced some of their most challenging afternoons in recent seasons, the young Dee team displayed maturity and poise to pull clear in the final quarter, running out eventual 35 - 12 winners. After an evenly balanced opening period, Donaghadee turned round at half time with a slender 14 points to 12 lead courtesy of tries from Ethan Martin and Carter Long. The arm wrestle then continued for the opening twenty minutes of the second half, with neither side able to impose any extended period of dominance over the other. The turning point of the match came on the hour mark. Magnificent Dee defence repelled a series of Ballyclare pick and goes on the try line before winning a crucial turnover. In the next play, Adam McGrath delivered a perfectly weighted kick through, which was subsequently collected by the rampaging Dee pack and dotted down. Donaghadee had gone the length of the pitch within a minute and extinguished the brave Ballyclare effort. From this point on, the superior organisation and fitness of the Donaghadee team ensured it was one way traffic. The brilliant Carter Long scored his second try of the afternoon and Joebe Basuel rounded things off bulldozing his way over in the corner, following fine work from Andy McCracken on the floor. This victory demonstrated the guts and determination now embedded within the DNA of the side. Captain McGrath was once again outstanding in his control of the game and returned with a 100% kicking record from the tee, bisecting the uprights from the touchline on more than one occasion. Paul Miller also had a fine game in the back row making a number of important tackles as well as carries, whilst Andy McCracken was solid as ever. Player of the match however, was Carter Long who who was exceptional throughout not only in attack, but also in defence making countless dominant tackles and crucial turnovers. This victory will have been the most satisfying this season for both the players and staff. Yet again the smaller and younger Dee team saw off larger and more experienced opposition through disciplined and structured play, backed up with a line out which continues to operate like clockwork. The seconds round off the first phase of the league campaign next week at home to Malone. The squad will be keen to show the Donaldson Park support how they have improved during the season to date and maintain the pressure on Ards at the top of the table.