1st XV vs Rainey OB (29 – 17)
Ulster Senior League
Although conditions were heavy underfoot at Hatrick Park the rain stayed away for the duration of the game. Both teams were keen to attack but Dungannon’s greater experience and more clinical finishing counted in the end as they achieved the bonus league point when Tim Smith scored their fourth try in the 29-17 win. CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES
Rainey kicked off and drove up to the Dungannon line. The Visitor’s defence held and when Gannon attacked the ball was spun wide for Mark O’Shea to finish off a Kieran Campbell inspired move. Michael Lawton converted from well out on the right after seventeen minutes.
0 – 7
Michael Lawton converted a penalty at the end of the first quarter before Rainey’s Gavin Martin replied in kind after twenty-two minutes.
3 – 10
On the stroke of halftime a well weighted Jaryd Bennett pass sent Michael Lawton through for a good try that Michael also converted.
3 – 17
Rainey were the first to score in the second half when following a Neil O’Kane burst Paul Heaney put Simon Hawe through for a good try. Gavin Martin converted.
10 – 17
Dungannon upped the pace and following some good driving by the pack Paul Jackson picked up Rowan Halsall’s cunning pass to score on fifty-seven minutes.
10 – 22
Dungannon maintained the pressure and when Timmy Smith made a dash for the line after sixty-eight minutes Rainey underestimated his strength on the ball. Despite the best efforts of four defenders Tim made the touch down giving Dungannon their fourth try and the bonus point. Michael Lawton added the extras.
10 – 29
Rainey came back and created a fine try for sub hooker Sam Sefton after seventy five minutes. Gavin Martin again converted.
17 – 29
In the heavy and uninspiring conditions a good game with Dungannon doing what they had to and Rainey showing why they are vying for promotion from Division 2A.
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), Paul McCarroll. Derek Hall, Rowan Halsall, James McMahon. Paul Jackson, Philip Whyte, Timothy Smith, Paul Magee, Darren Simpson.
Referee: Gareth Dunlop (Antrim)
Tries: Mark O’Shea, Michael Lawton, Paul Jackson & Timothy Smith.
Conversions: Michael Lawton (3)
Penalties: Michael Lawton
3rd XV vs Enniskillen (43 – 0)
Crawford Cup
Dungannon scored three tries in the opening quarter of this Crawford Cup encounter. Showing good control both in the pack and the backs the IIIs ran out easy 43-0 winners against Enniskillen II.
CLICK HERE FOR LOTS OF PICTURES
Following a pig pong start Dungannon demonstrated their cutting edge when Eddie Laverty is sent through by Rory Patton to race away for the opening try on seven minutes. Eddie also added the extras.
7 – 0
Three minutes later following good work from Simon Potter and Adam McCarter the home side attacked down the left and when Jonny Smith and Mark Faloon make the space there was no stopping Jerome McClure from dotting down in the corner for Eddie Laverty to convert with a fine kick.
14 – 0
Fourteen points to the good, Dungannon were really controlling affairs until a pick up at the scrum ended in a spillage. However, a quickly taken free by Marko McFarland paved the way for Adam McCarter to go close before Simon Potter rolled out of a tackle and over at the posts on seventeen minutes.
19 – 0
Skins were now settling in and they kept their line intact until closer to the interval. Mark Faloon took everyone by surprise when he burst through the middle. He was unlucky not to be awarded a try before Ali McFarland claimed the touch down. Eddie Laverty added the conversion.
26 – 0
Dungannon started the second half on the Enniskillen line but a loss of control of the ball spoiled chances. Errors were creeping in before Mark Faloon burst down the middle once more. He went agonisingly close before Jonny Smith grabbed the popped up pass for a try on forty-eight minutes.
31 – 0
Despite the arrears Enniskillen fought back with their pack taking play to the Dungannon twenty-two. When awarded a penalty they opted for a scrum but failed to convert the position into points. Jerome McClure then ran from defence before the Dungannon forwards, Pete ‘Twinkle toes’ Keightley and Richard Hholmes carried the ball forward. When Julian Knipe released skipper Rory Patton the out half sold a perfect dummy before sweeping in to score after fifty-eight minutes. Eddie Laverty converted.
38 – 0
In the final quarter Enniskillen fought hard to open their account and should have been awarded a try when the ball was hacked through the home defence. Good footwork by Zac Wilson was denied by the referee. Instead it was Dungannon who went further ahead on seventy minutes. Skins lost control of the ball in the back line before Jonny Toal picked up and raced clear to the corner.
43 – 0
Back came Enniskillen with some good forward driving they failed to produce a consolation try in the face of some stubborn home defence.
A super performance by the IIIs.
Talking of pot and kettle acting Team Manager Gareth McMullan was suggesting that some of the forwards should watch their Christmas diet in case the jerseys did not fit in 2012! Watch this space.
Team: Edward Laverty. Jerome McClure, Mark Faloon, Jonathan Smith, Jonny Toal. Rory Patton (Capt), Julian Knipe. Wallace McKay, Alastar McFarland, Simon Potter. Richard Holmes, Gareth Lucas. Adam McCarter, Mark McFarland, Peter Keightley.
Referee: Peter McClure
Tries: Edward Laverty, Jerome McClure, Simon Potter, Alastar McFarland, Jonathan Smith, Rory Patton & Jonny Toal.
Conversions: Edward Laverty (4)
Penalties
