The 2nd XV got back to winning ways with a hard fought 8-5 victory over Donaghadee. The match was played in difficult conditions at Stormont, and as a result both teams struggled to find any momentum or rhythm. Indeed the first quarter of the game seemed to go from one set piece to another, both packs very busy with lineout’s and scrums. There was little in the way of scoring opportunities in the first half, both defences were resolute, leaving little space or chances for the attacking sides. Around the half hour mark, Donaghadee had a counter attack, and were awarded a penalty on the Service 5 metre line. Dee chose to kick the straightforward penalty, giving them a 3-0 lead which they carried into halftime.

Service were on the wrong end of a few choice words at the break, rucking, tackling and handling had all lacked in the first half. The words seemingly fell on deaf ears however, as the second half started in much the same vein. Service were guilty of trying to force the game, resulting in more handling errors and more set piece work for the pack. The changes began to ring as a few knocks appeared from a bruising encounter. Continuity was hard to come by however, and Service again struggled to find a rhythm, and it felt like it might just be one of those days. Hope remained however, and Service found themselves exerting some sustained pressure in the Dee 22. Some heavy carrying and Dee infringements had Service exerting real pressure, as the lads began to lift the ante and play with some intensity. Following some hard running and quick recycling at the breakdown, Service found themselves on the edge of the tryline in the left hand corner. Scrum half Jack McDowell, perhaps the most diminutive player on the field, reached for the line amid a mass of bodies. The ball found its way into another Service hand, and the sheer force of the Service drive forced it down in the corner for a Service try. A huge cheer ensued, as much a release of frustration as celebration. Although the tricky conversion went just wide, Service had a 5-3 lead, and finally some momentum.

As Dee kicked off there were 11 minutes on the clock, which seemed like an eternity. Service soaked up some pressure, but the scramble defence and new sense of urgency was there in abundance. The ball soon found its way back up the field, and some sustained pressure in the Dee 22 saw Service awarded a penalty. Outhalf Adam Wright remained calm, and slotted the difficult kick, despite hugely challenging conditions under foot. The score was now 8-5 to Service, with the home side more determined than ever to see the game out. Dee threw everything they had in the final few minutes, but the Service defence held firm. By now a formidable, and partisan, home crowd had gathered and were intent on roaring the lads home. Dee's final throw of the dice was a ferocious attack, but the sheer intensity of Service pressure forced a knock-on. Service recovered and kicked clear, as the full time whistle was greeted with an almighty roar into the East Belfast sky.

With the 1st XV also winning, the celebrations were twice as raucous at full time. The victory sees Service move back up to second place in the table, 2 points off top spot, and vitally with a game in hand. It also leaves Service with 3 wins from 4 in 2017, and in position to finish the season strongly.

Team

1. Trevor McDowell (captain)
2. Rab Snodden
3. Cameron Vance
4. Niall Donnelly
5. Ben Lakehall
6. Ciaran O'Reilly
7. Gareth Bond
8. Jonny McEwan
9. Jack McDowell
10. Adam Wright
11. Conor Minnis
12. Les McGowan
13. Alaistair Beacom
14. Steven Reid
15. Ryan Campbell

16. Dennis Curry
17. Craig Algie
18. Steven Cummings