Dromore win but coach says side did not play to full potential

Dromore 25-14 Academy

DROMORE made the short trip to Mallusk on Saturday last to take on Academy RFC in a Qualifying League 1 fixture.

Having won their last two fixtures they entered the game in good form and hoped to build on this.

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The conditions and pitch were very good for the time of year and Dromore used the early exchanges to good effect, forcing a line out close to Academy’s line, the resulting driving maul producing a try for Fitzpatrick, and opening Dromore’s account.

A fine piece of work by the Academy left wing produced an equalising try for the home team before Dromore forced their way ahead with two penalties from Steenson.

Dromore looked to be in total control and Harshaw steered another maul over the line for another try, which Steenson converted to make the score 18-5 in Dromore’s favour.

The locals turned round at half time eager to produce some running rugby, and fine breaks by Cobb, Jenks and Russell broke the Academy defence but the young Dromore backs could not find the final pass to convert their efforts into scores.

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Academy grew in confidence the longer they held Dromore out and added two well taken penalties to their own tally to make the Dromore coaches sweat, finally Dromore put the contest to bed with another try through the forwards, this time McGregor forcing his way over from close range, Steenson converted to leave Dromore 25-11 ahead.

Dromore pushed forward in the closing quarter, looking for a fourth try to secure the bonus point but injuries to McCandless, Pepper and Steenson left the side slightly disorganised and it was Academy who added a penalty to their tally that finished the scoring for the day.

Coach Bekker said, “I’m happy with another win, but we did not play to our full potential today. We feel we left a bonus point out on the pitch today and we have some hard work to do this week in training to refocus for next week when Donaghadee travel to Dromore.”

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