4th XV vs Grosvenor (27 – 10) Magners Junior League
Dungannon and Grosvenor produced an excellent contest in this Magners Junior League 5 top of the table clash. Gannon got on top early and kept ahead for the eighty minutes. Grosvenor played neat rugby and although second best up front their backs always held the threat if they could hold their passes. In the end Dungannon had a four tries to one margin as they won 27 10.
Dungannon started brightly using their pack to punch a hole in the Grosvenor defence and then spreading the ball wide. However it was the more conservative route that paid dividends when Stephen Donaghy was driven over after twenty-two minutes. A good strike from Ricky Wright added the extras.
7 – 0
Five minutes later a twenty-five metre drive gave big Stephen his second try again goaled by Richard Wright.
14 – 0
After the restart Gannon went on the offensive with Steven Martin and Ben Kennedy giving Kevin McElduff a chance as he hoofed the ball through, alas the touch line took the ball out of play. Then a great take of a Grosvenor clearance by Julian Knipe deserved more but Grosvenor turned over possession and cleared their lines. Grosvenor then scored a fine try when out half Brendan Parke did a show and go just inside his own half and beat three defenders as he kept going and touched down between the posts for a fine self converted try after thirty-eight minutes.
14 – 7
Grosvenor started the second half well with a break by full back Felim McGivney. A Ben Kennedy intercept save a dangerous situation before a Declan Treanor drive led to Cormac Convery getting an opportunity but the Grosvenor defence kept him out. Then a lineout steal by Donaghy ably supported by Treanor and McKay saw Clive Weir get the touchdown after forty-five minutes.
19 – 7
On fifty minutes Brendan Park kicked a penalty for Grosvenor. This was cancelled out by a Cormac Convery’s thirty-five metre strike on the hour mark.
22 – 10
More Gannon attacking saw Knipe and Chris Blair make ground before Lucas Darran and Declan Treanor drove toward the Grosvenor line. Eventually Lucas Rodney made the line for Dungannon’s fourth try on seventy minutes.
27 – 10
Grosvenor put together another good attack but the Dungannon defence held. Good lineout work from Lucas Gareth and Clive Weir allowed Gannon to control the last few minutes
This was good game to watch and a good performance by Dungannon. The pack played very well especially the back row of Treanor, Hamilton and Donaghy. With two games in hand the IVs are now two points behind Grosvenor. Grosvenor are a capable side so Dungannon can not afford any slip ups if they are to gain promotion to Section 4.
Team: Christopher Blair. Cormac Convery, Ben Kennedy, Steven Martin, Kevin McElduff. Richard Wright, Julian Knipe (Capt). Darran Lucas, Rodney Lucas, Wallace McKay. Gareth Lucas, Clive Weir. Declan Treanor, Kirby Hamilton, Stephen Donaghy.
Referee: Douglas Tweed (Ballyclare RFC)
Tries: Stephen Donaghy (2), Clive Weir & Rodney Lucas.
Conversions: Richard Wright (2)
Penalties: Cormac Convery
Drop Goal:
