Dungannon were worthy winners of this top of the table clash at Stevenson Park. An impressive performance saw Gannon claim the winning bonus point after fifty-five minutes and then shut up shop despite Quins best efforts to get on the scoreboard.
Playing with the wind at their backs Harlequins were first to have the opportunity to open the scoring but their penalty attempt was short. The rest of the first half was practically all Dungannon with the back row playing a major part in their domination. First Kieran Campbell’s craft sent James McMahon steaming through only to be denied by a tap tackle. Then an overambitious pass spoiled another scoring chance before a cracking Rowan Halsall break came to grief when his pass to Adam Duhig was too difficult to collect. Eventually following good work from Halsall and McMahon Dungannon were awarded a penalty that Michael Lawton converted from just outside the twenty-two after eighteen minutes.
3 – 0
Dungannon attacked from the restart and when Timmy Smithy drove forward the momentum was maintained by a great run from Mark O’Shea. When he was stopped just short the recycled ball almost resulted in a try for Paul McKenzie but the subsequent move saw Adam Duhig make the line for a try that Michael Lawton converted.
10 – 0
Dungannon kept on the pressure and squandered a couple of chances before a strike against the head was capitalised on by Dungannon. When Dungannon put the ball in the air Paul McKenzie isolated the catcher and following a couple of surges Adam Duhig got his second try of the afternoon.
15 – 0
Dungannon started the second half on the front foot with David Egner’s chasing of a kick ahead putting the Quins defender under pressure and forcing a scrum. Dungannon held field position and when Timmy Smith set up a ruck on the right the recycled ball was moved left where Stuart McCloskey went powering through for a try on forty-five minutes. Michael Lawton converted.
22 – 0
Harlequins went on the attack but when Dungannon broke out of defence David Egner saw a chance and backed himself as he raced in from forty-five metres for a fine try after fifty-five minutes. Michael Lawton again converted, his fourth successful kick out of five.
Harlequins then threw everything into attack but Dungannon’s defence held firm.
A very impressive performance with all parts of the Dungannon team functioning well. The bonus point gives Gannon a six point lead over Quins at the top of the Ulster Senior League.
Next Saturday it is back to the Ulster Bank All Ireland League with Bruff the visitors. Make a visit to Stevenson Park part of your New Year’s resolution.
Team: Michael Lawton. Mark O’Shea, Paul McKenzie, Stuart McCloskey, David Egner. Jaryd Bennett, Kieran Campbell. Glen Sinnamon, Adam Duhig, Mark Farquhar. Mark Jenkinson (Capt), Timothy Smith, Derek Hall, Rowan Halsall, James McMahon. Paul Jackson, Philip Whyte, Paul McCarroll, Stuart Lester, Darren Simpson.
Referee: Robbie Watson (Enniskillen)
Tries: Adam Duhig (2), Stuart McCloskey & David Egner.
Conversions: Michael Lawton (3)
Penalties: Michael Lawton
