Dungannon came to Dublin with high hopes but alas it was a very downcast Dungannon contingent that returned to Tyrone on Saturday night. UCD shocked Dungannon with a quick try after two minutes. Although Dungannon recovered to take a 6 – 5 lead two quick tries prior to half time left Gannon with a 22 – 6 deficit to overcome. Dungannon did comeback, playing the more structured rugby throughout but the Students retaliated and saved their position in Division 1B with a bonus point victory.
Things started badly, a Dungannon error gave UCD’s Sam Murray an easy try. After going for a penalty lineout Michael Lawton kicked a successful penalty after six minutes.
5 – 3
Dungannon continued to press but lost influential hooker Adam Duhig to injury after seventeen minutes.
A second Lawton penalty on crossing rowan 25 minutes put Gannon into the lead but Thornton responded in kind for UCD
8 – 6
Dungannon with Peter Nelson showing some outstanding touches were pushing forward but they were not able to make any incisive breaks. UCD enjoyed a slice of luck that may have had a profound effect on the result. They ran the ball, literally, across their three quarters and performed, without penalty, as good an example of ‘crossing’ as you are likely to see. At a subsequent ruck Dungannon were very unfortunate to lose a player to the bin. UCD took full advantage of their good fortune with two converted tries from Tom Fletcher and Richie Bent just prior to half time.
22 – 6
Post halftime Dungannon knew that they had to put points on the board took to the task. First Ali Birch drove over and then some great recycling saw James McMahon do well to keep the move alive and send Conor Gaston over on fifty-six minutes. Peter Nelson converted both tries to close the gap to two points.
22 – 20
Dungannon were now on a roll but missed a golden try scoring opportunity when a pass went to ground. Fair play to UCD who came back with a converted try by Sam Murray following a move off the front of a lineout on sixty-two minutes.
29 – 20
Dungannon then butchered two good scoring chances and Christopher Cochrane had the ball knocked from his grasp as he went for the touchdown. A good penalty kick by Peter Nelson reduced the arrears to seven points after seventy-eight minutes.
29 – 23
Unfortunately for Dungannon with UCD successfully running down the clock they could not get possession. UCD performed the task too well and drove over for a last minute try by Alan O’Connor converted try.
36 – 23
UCD were very happy at the final whistle, their bonus point win had ensured their survival in Ulster Bank League 1B.
The Dungannon players were hugely disappointed at the end of the game. They performed brilliantly at times this season and consistently put in mighty effort. To lose at the last fence was very disappointing for them.
However they now know what they are capable of and after a short summer break we hope they will come back stronger and more determined to break into 1A next season.
The supporters are very appreciative of the commitment of the players over the season and the wonderful entertainment they have given us over thirty-one games.
Team: Conor Gaston. Michael Lawton, Paul McKenzie, Stuart McCloskey, Peter Nelson, Jaryd Bennett, Michael Kirkwood. Glen Sinnamon, Adam Duhig, Mark Farquhar, Timothy Smith, Mark Jenkinson, Callum Threlfall, Ali Birch, Rowan Halsall, James McMahon, Paul Jackson, Philip Whyte, Jason Bloomfield, Mark O’Shea, Christopher Cochrane.
Referee: Darragh McCormack
Tries: Ali Birch & Conor Gaston
Conversions: Michael Lawton & Peter Nelson
Penalties: Michael Lawton (2) & Peter Nelson
Well done to Michael Lawton who scored 403 points for Dungannon in all competitions this season. He broke the previous club record of 328 points and was also their top try scorer with 18 tries!
