3rd XV vs CIYMS (7 – 7)
Junior League
Prior to kick off the teams observed one minute’s silence in memory of past President Pat Nelson.
Two evenly matched teams played out a seven all draw. One penalty try each. As an experienced CI observer commented in the final quarter, “This game has been dominated by the referee’s whistle.”
Playing against the wind in the first half Dungannon had the better of the early exchanges. Playing his first game for seven years, veteran Andrew Girvan made his presence felt from the first scrum. Dungannon also benefitted from the enterprise and endeavour of half backs Julian Knipe and Robin Morrow and some strong running by fullback Barry Donnelly. However when CI attacked they were rewarded. After a series of penalties and forward drives scrum half Ross O’Donnell made a dart for the line from a tap penalty. Although he just failed to make the line a penalty try was awarded for persistent off side. Neil Allsop converted on thirty minutes.
0 – 7
The pattern of the second half was little different with both sides doing their best to play rugby but being frustrated by the lack of opportunity for continuity. Eventuality after series of drives and penalties Dungannon were awarded a penalty try for persistent off side after Julian Knipe was held short. Barry Donnelly knocked over the conversion to level the scores.
7 – 7 
Despite much effort Dungannon could not generate any momentum to get a winning score and the game ended in an honourable draw.
Great credit should be given to both sides for their discipline in what was a very frustrating game to watch.
It was great to see Robin Morrow back in the blue and white, his knowledge and flair will benefit many of the more inexperienced players who get the opportunity to play with him. Andrew Girvan, what can be said, he played with an enthusiasm and a directness that inspired the rest of the team. That other ace back on the pitch this season, Philip McCammon, was probably the best forward on the park and his defence has lost none of its bite.
Although it was a disappointing match it was never dull.
Team: Barry Donnelly. Jerome McClure, Geoffrey Blair, Rory Patton (Capt), Edward Laverty. Robin Morrow, Julian Knipe. Steven Gavin, Simon Potter, Darran Lucas. Lorcan Martin, Richard Holmes. Philip McCammon, Andrew Caddoo, Andrew Girvan.
Referee: Michael Cairnduff (Rainey OB)
Tries: Penalty
Conversions: Barry Donnelly
Penalties
2nd XV vs UUC (37 – 31)
Kukri Conference League
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Prior to kick off the teams observed one minute’s silence in memory of past President Pat Nelson.
Dungannon showed nine changes from their last game and the UUC team included seven Fresher’s and Andrew Winder. Both teams agreed afterwards that it was an enjoyable game of rugby. The fact that ten tries were scored reinforces that view. Both teams also praised referee Wilson which speaks volumes for his handling of the game.
Dungannon really started with a bang when Peter Smith broke away from a maul to score after three minutes. Three minutes later brother Timmy shimmied and side stepped his way over for a typical Tim Smith try. Michael Lawton converted.
12 – 0
On sixteen minutes scrum half Richard Fletcher hit Michael Lawton with a pass on the Dungannon twenty-two. Beating at least five men Michael grew in confidence with every stride as he went all the way for a try in the corner. A great try and when Michael gathered himself together he goaled the try with an excellent conversion.
19 – 0
After twenty-two minutes Darren Simpson made a break and when he was tackled off loaded to Stuart Lester. Stuart used his pace to round three players on his way to the line.
24 – 0
Dungannon then, shall we say, relaxed. The Students back three worked well to send fullback Matt Hill away for a try converted by Lee Murphy after thirty-four minutes.
24 – 7
Three minutes later Marty O’Neill, who makes a habit of scoring against Dungannon, dived over after a series of pick and goes. Murphy again converted.
24 – 14
After Coach David Kennedy pointed out the folly of relaxing during a game Dungannon started the half in a similar vein to the first when hooker Ally Moore bulldozing his way over for a good try in the forty-first minute. Michael Lawton converted.
31 – 14
UUC weathered the storm and following a significant drive from Darren Leonard hooker Martin O’Neill, celebrating his namesake’s new contract with Sunderland, drove over for his second try on fifty-four minutes.
31 – 19
On the hour mark UUC’s Sam Hall collected a kick through by Dungannon. He fed Lee Murphy who slipped the ball to the mercurial Andrew Winder who put Sam Hall into space allowing the winger to run in from thirty metres. Lee Murphy again converted.
31 26
Dungannon woke up to the fact that UUC were only one score behind and Michael Lawton converted a sixty-third minute penalty to give a morsel of breathing space. Then in the seventy-fifth Michael hit a great penalty from well out on the UUC ten metre line.
37 – 26
However the game was not over. When the blue booted Winder barrelled his way through the Dungannon defence he found Sam Hall up in support, the winger did well to get away for the final score of the afternoon.
37 – 31
UUC coach Brett Campbell was full of praise for his players saying that the younger players would benefit from the experience.
Dungannon coach David Kennedy was pleased with his boy’s first half performance but admitted that UUC had stretched them in the second half. “We shall have to keep out concentration for the full eighty minutes. However when the boys realised they could lose this game they knuckled down and got the points when they needed them.”
Team: Gareth Graham. Brian Simpson, Darren Simpson, Stuart Lester, David Egner. Michael Lawton, Richard Fletcher. Adam Lockhart, Alastair Moore, Ben Howard.. Rodney Blair, Robin McCleary. Peter Keightley, Peter Smith (Capt), Timothy Smith.
Referee: Christopher Wilson
Tries: Peter Smith, Timothy Smith, Michael Lawton, Stuart Lester & Ally Moore
Conversions: Michael Lawton (3)
Penalties: Michael Lawton (2)
1st XV vs BUCCANEERS (20 – 33)
Ulster Bank AIL
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Dungannon lost out in the battle for points in a lively encounter at Dubarry Park. Dungannon kicked off and went ahead with a first minute penalty from Jaryd Bennett but that brought an immediate reaction from Buccaneers. Kolo Kiripati led an offensive down the left flank before the home backs sent John O’Brien away for a try in the third minute. Jack Carty converted.
7 – 3.
Two minutes later the Dungannon defence allowed Shane Leydon to dot down in the seventh minute.
12 – 3
Dungannon settled after that but following a Paul McKenzie break Paul McCarroll was penalised for holding. However, a good forward surge by the Dungannon saw Kieran Campbell spread the ball wide for Chris Cochrane to race in for a try after thirteen minutes. Jaryd Bennett added the simple conversion and Dungannon were back in the game.
12 – 10
Gannon kept the momentum going before a lost lineout allowed Buccs to attack. Callum Threlfall was yellow carded at the break down. Buccaneers tried to make use of the numerical advantage, opting for a scrum in lieu of a penalty but they were penalised allowing Chris Cochrane to run from defence. Buccs hit back but John O’Brien was brought back for a forward pass when he was on his way to the posts. With Threlfall back on the park Dungannon attacked down the left flank. A penalty was moved ten metres when Kiripati questioned the referee’s decision. Not surprisingly the latter was subsequently ‘binned’ at the next ruck. The half ended at 12-10.
Dungannon started the second half on the offensive and Mark O’Shea made a good run down the middle. A penalty ruined the chance before Stuart McCloskey raised hopes on the left flank. He was pulled into touch by a last ditch tackle. A penalty award saw Dungannon hold position in the corner and a tremendous drive by the pack took play five metres into the ‘in goal’. Buccs were awarded the five metre scrum but as they tried to clear James McMahon forced them to touch down behind their own line. All credit to the home side, they defended well and kept their line intact.
Going into the final quarter a penalty chance paved the way for a successful strike from Jaryd Bennett.
12 – 13
This gave Dungannon a one point lead but drew a mighty reaction from Buccaneers starting with a Carty penalty on sixty-four minutes. The same player then added the extras to a Brian Touhy try on sixty-six minutes.
22 – 13
By the seventieth minute Buccaneers looked ‘home and dry’ with another Carty penalty that stretched the lead.
25 – 13.
However, Dungannon hit back when an awesome drive for Ali Birch resulted in a touch down. Stuart McCloskey converted to leave the visitors just five points adrift and with a bonus point.
25 – 20
Alas, that was as good as it got for Dungannon with Carty adding another penalty before Conor Lavelle rounded it all off with a try to give the home side a deserved bonus point win.
Team: Conor Gaston. Mark O’Shea, Paul McKenzie, Stuart McCloskey, Christopher Cochrane. Jaryd Bennett, Kieran Campbell. Glen Sinnamon, Adam Duhig, Mark Farquhar. Mark Jenkinson (Captain), Paul McCarroll. Derek Hall, Ali Birch, Rowan Halsall. Paul Jackson, Phil Whyte, Callum Threlfall, James McMahon, Paul Magee.
Referee: Leo Colgan
Tries: Chris Cochrane & Ali Birch.
Conversions: Jaryd Bennett & Stuart McCloskey
Penalties: Jaryd Bennett (2)
