1st XV vs U C D (35 – 13)
Ulster Bank All Ireland League
This was a good start to the Ulster Bank All Ireland League campaign for Dungannon, winning at home and gaining a bonus point after scoring five tries. The performance was also good against a UCD side that put some good phases together especially in the first half.
Dungannon and Ulster Bank League debutant Peter Nelson had a dream start.
From the kick off spring heeled Chris Cochrane timed his jump best and moved Gannon forward assisted by Derek Hall. UCD infringed and Peter Nelson converted a penalty in the first minute.
3 – 0
From the restart Gannon drove up field, Timmy Smith making the hard yards before a magical bit of play involving Jason Bloomfield and the pack resulted in Mark Jenkinson almost making the line. Glen Sinnamon drove over but was adjudged to have been held up. Our second debutant Chris Farrell got involved early on and was pulled down five metres short before good work from Jaryd Bennett sent Chris Cochrane ghosting through for a try after five minutes. Peter Nelson added the conversion.
10 – 0
Shortly after the restart UCD were awarded a penalty that Niall Earls dispatched between the posts after eight minutes. Two minutes later UCD were awarded another penalty for an alleged offside. Earls again obliged.
10 – 6
UCD were now getting a share of possession and with the assistance of an unwitting obstruction from Referee Carville scored a good try through Andy Cummiskey. Niall Earls converted to give UCD a three point lead.
10 – 13
Gannon went back on the offensive and good work by Bloomfield set up a maul that was driven to the line where Callum Threlfall was stopped short. UCD cleared their lines but when the ball was spilled Peter Nelson kicked through from his own half. He outpaced the defenders then showed great maturity as he controlled the ball and dived on it for the try that put Dungannon back into a lead that they never lost.
15 – 13
Dungannon with Paul McKenzie straightening the line and Adam Duhig involved in everything finished the half on the attack.
When the second half started it was evident that Dungannon were now getting the better of the tight and following a turnover Rowan Halsall ran the ball, Stuart McCloskey made a mid field break and when Derek Hall got possession some great rugby between Derek and Jaryd Bennett resulted in a try for Derek on forty-four minutes.
20 – 13
Peter Nelson collected a high ball and a perfectly weighted pass sent Chris Cochrane away to round his man and chip ahead. Although UCD collected the ball Paul McKenzie was up to smother. A move involving Rowan Halsall, McKenzie and McCloskey saw Mark Farquhar rounding his man just like a winger. Mark set up a ruck, the recycled ball stretched the defence and when Paul McKenzie was held Dungannon elected to take a penalty lineout. The pack subsequently made possession count and following a series of drives Derek Hall was sent over for his second try after sixty minutes.
25 – 13
When Gannon were awarded a penalty five minutes later skipper Mark Jenkinson elected to go for the penalty that if successful would put UCD three scores behind. Peter Nelson duly obliged from the tee.
28 – 13
With a fifteen point advantage and a try bonus point in the bag Gannon moved the ball around and a strong run by Mark O’Shea saw him race in on the left. Nelson converted.
35 – 13
Hall almost got his hat trick and Mark O’Shea had another chance. Chris Cochrane looked to have escaped for a great try but the final pass was apparently forward. Although Dungannon did not score again UCD carved out a good position for themselves but failed to cross the line.
Very pleasing debuts for four of the squad all of whom showed enough to confirm their ability. The two eighteen year olds, Farrell and Nelson showed great maturity; Stuart McCloskey is turning into a dangerous striker whilst Mark O’Shea used his power running to get the fifth try.
A good win but let’s not get carried away; this was a win and a home win which is what we need, let’s see how it goes next Saturday at Annacotty.
Fitzy was pleased, “Job done but we have to build on that, we still have seventeen matches to win.”
Team: Peter Nelson. Christopher Farrell, Paul McKenzie, Stuart McCloskey, Christopher Cochrane. Jaryd Bennett, Jason Bloomfield., Glen Sinnamon, Adam Duhig, Mark Farquhar. Craig Miller, Mark Jenkinson. Derek Hall, Rowan Halsall, Timothy Smith. Ben Howard, Philip Whyte, Callum Threlfall, Mark O’Shea, Paul Magee.
Referee: John Carville (Leinster)
Tries: Christopher Cochrane, Peter Nelson, Derek Hall (2) & Mark O’Shea.
Conversions: Peter Nelson (2)
Penalty: Peter Nelson (2)
2nd XV vs Belfast Harlequins (43 – 6)
Millar McCall Wylie Ulster Junior Cup
Dungannon progressed to the second round of the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup at the expense of Belfast Harlequins scoring six tries against two penalties.
After a sluggish first half Dungannon played with more fluidity in the second half scoring tries through Gareth James, Michael Lawton, Charlie Sargaison, John McGuckin, Michael Kirkwood and Darren Simpson. Michael Lawton had a good afternoon off the tee with five successful conversions and a penalty.
A better performance than last week now it’s Hinch at home in the League next week.
Team: Michael Lawton. Darren Simpson, Stuart Lester, Gareth McGonigle, David Egner. John McGuckin, Michael Kirkwood. Charlie Sargaison, Neil McGinley, Steven Sinnamon. Rodney Blair, Paul McCarroll. Richard Holmes (Captain), Gareth James, Robin McCleary. Peter Smith, Gareth Graham.
Referee: David Horner
Tries: Gareth James, Michael Lawton, Charlie Sargaison, John McGuckin, Michael Kirkwood & Darren Simpson.
Conversions: Michael Lawton (5)
Penalties: Michael Lawton
3rd XV vs Ballymena (60 – 5)
Junior League
Ballymena III 5 Dungannon III 60
Dungannon IIIs certainly made the visit to Eaton Park count. The visitors dominated throughout scoring five tries in each half. Chris Blair, Rory Patton, Jonny Smith, Brian Simpson and Richard Fletcher accounted for the early tries with the latter adding a conversion for a 27-0 lead at the break.
Star performer, Andrew Holmes opened the scoring in the second half before Brian Simpson completed his brace. Steven Gavin, Alan Cummings and Kyle Thompson completed the rout with Richard Fletcher converting four from the tee. Ballymena replied with a consolation try.
Thirds:- Chris Blair, Jonny Toal, Brian Simpson, Andrew Holmes, Alan Cummings, Geoff Fletcher, Rory Patton, Jonny Smith, Colin Forbes, Declan Treanor, David Irwin, Bryan Stinson, Kyle Thompson, Wallace McKay, Steven Gavin.
Team: Christopher Blair. Alan Cummings, Brian Simpson, Andrew Holmes, John Toal. Richard Fletcher, Rory Patton. Steven Gavin, Wallace McKay, Kyle Thompson. Ryan Stinson, David Irwin (Capt). Declan Treanor. Colin Forbes, Jonathan Smith
Referee: Roger Cleave
Tries: Brian Simpson (2), Steven Gavin, Kyle Thompson, Jonathan Smith, Alan Cummings, Andrew Holmes, Rory Patton, Chris Blair & Richard Fletcher.,
Conversions: Richard Fletcher (5)
4th XV vs Portadown (43 – 0)
Junior League
Dungannon won this reversed fixture at Stevenson Park with ease. Julian Knipe reckoned he has discovered a ‘mac’nificent new talent in Conor Mackle who crossed for four tries in his adult rugby debut.
Conor’s first two tries came courtesy of good back movements. Stephen Donaghy drove over for his try whilst Conor Mackle turned provider for an unstoppable Lorcan Martin run from fullback.
As well as two conversions the freshly married Richard Wright crossed the whitewash for a try and Fergal Mallon rounded off the scoring with a try.
Captain Julian Knipe was pleased with the performance although he though his forwards could have upper the tempo a bit. When he heard this afterwards Big Stevie said, “There is just no pleasing the wee man; does he not realise that in these difficult economic times we forwards do our bit by conserving energy!”
Team: Lorcan Martin. Mansell Purdy, Kevin McElduff, Andrew Caddoo, Conor Mackle. Richard Wright, Julian Knipe (Capt). Darran Lucas, Ally Moore. Stephen Donaghy. Philip Murdock, Gareth Lucas. Jonathan Kelso, Fergal Mallon, Marc Lawson.
Referee: Peter O’Hanlon
Tries: Conor Mackle (4), Stephen Donaghy, Richard Wright, Lorcan Martin & Fergal Mallon.
Conversions: Richard Wright (2)
Penalties:
