Seconds go on rampage to scoop the Harden Cup

Grosvenor Seconds 12

BARBAN Hill hosted the Harden Cup final on Saturday between Dromore Seconds and Grosvenor Seconds.

With a sun soaked setting and arguably the largest crowd of the season, the scene was set for a great contest. Grosvenor had reached the final by knocking out Ballynahinch, whilst Dromore overcame a strong Omagh side.

A nervous start saw Dromore under pressure from the Grosvenor pack. Dromore game plan had been to offer an all out assault from the start, though this was proving difficult.

As Grosvenor moved towards the Dromore goal line, a turnover ruck, summonsied the turnaround. Stevie Nolan received the ball and a kick downfield was collected by Ally Kinghan who scored under the posts. Stevie Nolan converted the try to make the score 7-0 to Dromore.

This score was the catalyst for Dromore Seconds to play some of the best rugby of the season. From the kick off they rampaged through Grosvenor and rewarded with a further two tries from flanker Kyle Patton and winger Andy McNeice.

Grosvenor were reeling but kept perservering against a relentless Dromore. The half finished 28-0 with a second try from Kyle Patton following quick ruck ball from a Dromore turnover.

The second half saw Grosvenor score a try early in the half with some sloppy defence from Dromore, allowing their number 10 to finish a good move in the corner.

Realising that there was still rugby to be played and with help of the partisan crowd Dromore responded by surging towards the Grosvenor line with fine run from winger Andy Graham, resulting in a five yard scrum. The forwards called the move and with a pick up from Adam McGregor and an inside pass put Stuart Russell in for a well taken try.

Grosvenor persisted in trying to disrupt the Dromore game plan but found the Dromore side more than a match. Dromore by this stage had emptied their replacements bench putting fresh legs on for the final quarter. With a renewed vigour Dromore pressed forward once again.

Dromore’s last try was a second for Ally Kinghan which was probably the pick of the bunch. The Dromore forwards had moved into the Grosvenor 22, a scrum was called which Dromore won, passed to the backs and a miss move allowed Ally to score.

Stevie Nolan converted the try bringing the score to 42-5 with 10 minutes to go.

The match finished with the crowd looking for more scores but it was Grosvenor who had the final say with a converted try in the dying seconds of the match, and with the conversion the final whistle.

Dromore lifted the Harden Cup with an emphatic 42-12 victory over Grosvenor. Captain Keith Watson felt the team had saved the best to last with a fine display in front of the home crowd. The cup was presented by Ulster Branch Vice President Harry McKibben to Dromore captain Keith Watson and Roger Erwin. With a mighty cheer from the crowd and shower of champagne, this was a day for Dromore Rugby Club to remember.

Special mention must also be made to Grosvenor who agreed to play the match at Barban Hill.

This cup victory has come on the back of winning the Section Three league title, having only been beaten once in 22 outings.

Thanks throughout the season to captain Keith Watson, Roger Erwin, managers Johnny McNeill, Garth Brown and all the players who have helped to make this an incredible 2009/2010 season.