Blackrock College 21 – 32
Dungannon 1XV 09 Nov 2013 AIL
Dungannon claimed a sweet five pointer that lifted them two places up the League table at Stradbrook on Saturday. Top marksman on the day was out-half, Peter Nelson who registered a personal tally of 17 points with a try, 3 conversions and two penalties. That said, the same player missed out with two early penalty attempts as Blackrock forged ahead with a try and a penalty in the first 12 minutes. The 8-0 lead flattered Rock and when Dungannon kicked into gear they scored four tries in succession before a wobbly phase allowed Rock back into the game. Nelson then came to the rescue in the final quarter with a brace of penalties that left Dungannon worthy 32-21 winners.
Dungannon started brightly against the breeze and when the home side faltered at scrum time Chris Cochrane was sent on a midfield run. Minutes later, Nelson sliced a penalty and when Rock countered their No 8, picked up moving the ball to right winger, Mark Scott-Lennon who had acres of space to touch down in the corner on 8 minutes. The heartened Dubliners then moved forward for Rob Keogh to convert a penalty. However, Dungannon bounced back with Nelson launching a ‘garryowen’ from his own half. The same player followed up and with the ball bouncing kindly he raced away to the posts for a try that he converted himself on 15 minutes. Rock retorted with a good run from Ryan Fisher before he fell foul of the referee’s whistle. Midway through the half Adam Macklin entered the fray and when Dungannon drove from a lineout, Steven Sinnamon crashed over on 22 minutes to give Dungannon a first time lead at 8-12. The visitors kept the momentum going with Nelson making a superb break before Chris Cousens missed out on a try with the ball going forward. The pack then played a part and when big Plunket McCallan led a lineout drive it ended with Macklin diving over on 35 minutes. Nelson converted and Dungannon looked good at 8-19. Rock hit back but failed to break down the visitors defence ahead of the half time whistle.
Blackrock tried hard to cut the deficit as the second half got under way. A spillage spoiled a chance before Stuart McCloskey made good ground with a ‘chip and chase’. The pack carried play forward but Macklin was held up on the line. Seconds later, James Bates flipped the ball to Paul Jackson who crashed over for the all important bonus point try. Nelson landed a superb conversion and Dungannon were cruising at 8-26 on 45 minutes. Stubborn Rock retaliated and when Richie Marsh picked up at scrum time he eluded the Dungannon cover to score half way out. Keogh added the extras as the visitors went through a wobbly phase. Rock kept up the pressure and by the hour mark Keogh had added a brace of penalties to leave the home side just 5 points adrift. It was time for Dungannon to rally and they did it well. Over the next 10 minutes Nelson landed 2 of 3 penalty attempts before a late surge from Rock saw Dungannon defending on their own line. Two yellow cards left the visitors with 13 men but their gallant defence allowed the hosts to get no closer.
Elsewhere, Corinthians won the Connacht derby beating Buccaneers 19-18. In the Belfast encounter Harlequins beat Malone 25-15 at Gibson Park. Shannon enjoyed a 13-9 home win against UL Bohemian while bottom placed Dublin University were beaten 26-17 by League leaders, Terenure.
Dungannon:- Cormac McCartney, Darren Simpson, Chris Cochrane, Stuart McCloskey, Chris Henderson, Peter Nelson, James Bates (capt), Steven Sinnamon, Paul Jackson, Glen Sinnamon, Plunket McCallan, John Joe Kane, David Leyburn, Malcolm Allister, Peter Smith. Replacements: Adam Macklin, Stephen Todd, Bryan Dabidson, Gareth McGonigle, Chris Cousens.
