Dalriada Rugby and Hockey Weekend Roundup

Dalriada played with confidence and intensity for the majority of the first half against a determined Rainey defence. It was indeed against the run of play that Rainey got their first try, having moved the ball out wide quickly to their flying winger who ran home from his own 22m line to score. Dalriada re-adjusted positions to counter this threat and continued to press Rainey. Throughout Rainey struggled to contain the Dalriada scrum and Dalriada were rewarded for their efforts when Captain James McCormick, after another dominant scrum picked the ball up and opened the Rainey defence to score.

Unfortunately Dalriada were unable to convert the try but spirits were confident that they could close the gap going into the second half.

Rainey started the second half without a front row player, despite having sufficient subs the Rainey Referee opted for uncontested scums. This worked to Rainey’s advantage and they were able to move the ball well from the scrum. Dalriada defended well but Rainey eventually broke the gain line when one of their players, who appeared to be in an offside position, gained possession of the ball and passed infield for another Rainey score. Rainey converted and finished the game as winners on this occasion.

Despite the Rainey decisions consistently going against Dalriada, our players did-not disappoint their travelling supporters in what was hard fought and close contest. Final score; Rainey Endowed 14 – Dalriada School 5.

HOCKEY

On Saturday Dalriada 1st XI played Omagh and the final score was 0-0, despite a number of shots at goal for both sides. Dalriada started strong, with the majority of the possession. With great skills from Olivia Mullan and Sara Jamison, Dalriada won their first short corner. Excellent tackles from Tara McConaghie and Mylenka Rygielska prevented Omagh from scoring. After half time, both teams had shots on goal, but with great saves from both keepers the score was still 0-0. Great play from Rebekah Kennedy, Rachael Kennedy and Elle Kirgin gave Dalriada numerous chances but the final whistle with the final score 0-0.

Dalriada 2XI played against Omagh at home, unfortunately losing 1-0 loss. However, the girls played fantastically as a new team. Great play from senior members Lucy Buick and Emma Glenn along the back made for a great game.

Dalriada’s U14’s Hockey team played Omagh with the visitors winning 8-0. Anna-Jane Murphy for Dalriada played excellently and saved some amazing shots but Omagh were strong in attack and shot some good goals. 

The U13 played Omagh Academy and the visitors rushed into a 3 goal lead much to the surprise of a stunned Dalriada. After a regroup and great leadership by captain Holly Barr, the back row were able to put the pressure onto Omagh and create some scoring opportunities for Dalriada. Unfortunately the girls couldn’t convert their chances this time with the score ending 3-0.