In an eagerly anticipated top-of-the-table conflict held at Rainey Previous Boys, Donegal City secured an exciting bonus level victory, characterised by exceptional moments of rugby excellence.
The match commenced with Donegal making a formidable begin after their lengthy journey to Magherafelt. James Cleary set the tone with an early strive, courtesy of a scintillating line break and a superbly timed offload by Kez McKeown. Nevertheless, the conversion try by Peteso Cannon fell brief, leaving the rating at 5-0 in Donegal’s favor.
This early motion appeared to awaken the house aspect, and so they responded swiftly with an unconverted strive simply six minutes later, night the rating at 5-5. Rainey then surged forward with one other unconverted strive, indicating their rising momentum and dedication to regulate the sport. However the match took a decisive flip when Donegal’s ahead pack started to claim their dominance. A formidable driving maul from a lineout offered a powerful platform for his or her agile backline. Gareth McMurray capitalized on this chance, touching down beneath the posts, and Peteso Cannon’s exact conversion swung the rating in Donegal’s favor at 12-10.
The latter levels of the primary half noticed each groups conceding penalties, but their respective defences held agency. At half-time, Donegal maintained a slender 12-10 lead.
Rainey emerged stronger within the second half, rapidly scoring one other strive, though it went unconverted and rebounded off the submit. Nevertheless, Donegal’s disciplined strategy and concentrate on their recreation plan turned the tide of their favor. James Cleary showcased his scoring prowess with a second strive, initiated by a crossfield run from Tom Barker. Kez McKeown added to the spectacle by stepping his approach beneath the posts from a substantial distance, and Peteso Cannon comfortably added the additional factors, extending Donegal’s result in 26-15.
Having secured the coveted bonus level, Donegal City intensified their assault. A mighty maul deep into Rainey territory paved the way in which for Gerry Curtis to bulldoze his approach over the strive line, dragging a number of defenders with him.
The match’s closing flourish got here when Cian Barden intercepted a go at shut vary and dotted down beneath the posts. Peteso Cannon’s exact kicking boot was on show once more, efficiently changing 5/6.
The standout efficiency of the match was credited to Donegal City’s #9, Denis McMenamin, who exhibited very good management and management from the opening whistle to the ultimate minute, incomes him the well-deserved Man of the Match award.
Donegal City RFC win over Rainey was final modified: October fifteenth, 2023 by