Donaghadee seconds scored six tries to run out 36 points to 24 winners in a dominant display against a spirited Bangor thirds side at Upritchard Park on Saturday.

On a cold and still afternoon ideal for rugby, Garry Smith’s men imposed their ascendancy from the kickoff in front of the home supporters. After only nine minutes, James Harpur scored his first try in senior rugby, bulldozing his way over after a series of well worked phases by the Donaghadee pack. Moments later the Dee were unfortunate not to extend their lead when Adam Russell was held up over the line and in the following play, Adam’s McGrath’s touchdown was ruled out by the referee.

The game subsequently entered a period of flux with three tries in ten minutes. On the foot of some good phase play, the Bangor winger touched down. Donaghadee responded immediately with Russell scoring in the corner from a penalty scrum in the opposition 22. Bangor then hit back with a seven pointer, benefiting from some missed tackles in the middle of the park.

With the contest evenly poised at 12 points each, Donaghadee went up the gears showing brilliance in defence and attack. On the 30th minute, John Hoslett made an outstanding tap tackle to deny Bangor a potential break away try. Three minutes later, Morgan Paulin sniped from a catch and drive line out to score. Shortly afterwards, the Dee pack bulldozed its way over from a driving maul, set up from a lineout on the host’s ten metre line. Taking an unassailable 24 points to 12 lead at half time, the young Dee side was firmly in control.

The second half ended in two tries apiece for both teams. Bangor scored first from a scrum, only for Oli McCormac’s brilliance in open play enabling Morgan Paulin to pounce for his second score of the afternoon minutes later. Following a second try saving tackle of the afternoon by John Hoslett, which will be talked about for years to come by the Dee fans present, McCormac then got over for his own try from a lineout on the Bangor five metre line, punishing the opposition for failing to compete on a Dee throw.

Despite an enormous defensive effort from the visitors in the closing ten minutes, including great work in the loose by the returning Dylan Robinson, debutant Frazer Fulton, as well as some crunching tackles by Andy Wright, Bangor managed a consolation try to finish with a final score 36 – 24.

For Donaghadee, another bonus point victory sees the team extend its league record this season to eight wins from nine. The coaching staff will take satisfaction from not only securing back to back wins against Bangor, but also the fact that this result was founded on strong performances from all 18 players.

Andy McCracken was immense in the pack, with James Small, Callum Moore, Ozzy Gordon, Joebe Basuel and Oli McCormac also having fine performances. In the backs Carter Long and Chris Connolly were magnificent, and once again captain McGrath superbly directed the team round the pitch.

Player of the match, however, was Morgan Paulin who had an outstanding 60 minutes at scrum half on only his second game in competitive rugby within the last 24 months. Paulin’s composure at the base of rucks, coupled with his flare in attack, provided renewed stability and energy to the well drilled side.

Donaghadee now sit second in the league and travel next Saturday to third place Carrick.