North American Tour
A good result for the tourists in their opening fixture. Our roving reporter
Derek Clements advises that the players are in good spirits although
somewhat disappointed that injuries to Philip Stinson and Gareth McMullen
have forced them to join the ranks of the dreaded Alikadoos!
CLICK HERE FOR 18 Pictures Courtesy Of Dungannon rugby Club Tour Party
Monmouth kicked off at Thompson Park in 88 degrees heat (31 C for the
younger readers).
Michael Lawton put the visitors on the scoreboard with a penalty after three
minutes
0 – 3
Shortly afterwards Stewart McKenzie picked up at the base of the scrum and
fed Craig Millar who forced his way over at the posts. Michael Lawton
converted.
0 – 10.
Following their first visit to the Dungannon twenty-two, Joe Lucarelli
kicked a penalty to open the Monmouth account.
3 – 10
When a home player failed to roll away Lawton struck an excellent penalty
from forty metres out.
3 – 13
Although Dungannon starting to dominate the scrums, the home side looked
dangerous exhibiting some very direct running and physicality. It was from a
loose ball that Eric Daneman outpaced the Dungannon defence to score from
the half way line. Lucarelli converted.
10 – 13
Dungannon showed good ball retention for Chris Blair to score in the corner
with Lawton converting.
10 – 20
Just before half time the irrepressible James Bates tapped a penalty and
scored with Lawton again converting.
10 – 27
Unfortunately at this stage two Dungannon players sustained bad injuries.
Gareth McMullan damaged ankle ligaments and Philip Stinson ended up in
hospital with a broken wrist.
Early in the second half following loose play by Monmouth, some good
handling saw Michael Lawton score an unconverted try.
10 – 32
Chris Blair came close to scoring but was adjudged in touch by an assistant
referee and former Dungannon player, John Wright. Mark Riddell then scored
after this period of pressure with Michael Lawton converting.
10 – 39
A break by guest player Casey Cronk led to a try from Junior Vice Paul
Magee.
10 – 44.
Surprisingly Dungannon adjusted better to the heat and thanks to the many
much needed water breaks and player rotation finished much the stronger. In
the final quarter from a twenty-two metre line out drive Adam Duhig touch
down with Michael Lawton again converting.
10 – 51
Mark Riddell got his second and Captain Magee finished the match with his
second with Michael Lawton converting both.
10 – 65.
A first class performance by the entire squad in very hot conditions with
the visitors showing superior handling and ball retention skills and
dominating the scrums. Monmouth did look dangerous with the ball in hand but
were often isolated from their support; they relished the physical challenge
but the Dungannon defence was sound.
Squad: Gareth McMullan, Adam Duhig, Glen Sinnamon, Aaron Fry, Gareth Lucas,
Craig Millar, Mark Riddell, Stuart McKenzie, James Bates, Michael Lawton,
Philip Stinson, Ethan Allen, Paul Magee, Andrew Holmes, Christopher Blair,
Simon McCarroll, Steven Graham, Adam Booth, Casey Cronk and Richard Holmes
Scorers:-
Tries: Craig Miller, Christopher Blair, James Bates, Michael Lawton, Adam
Duhig, Mark Riddell (2) and Paul Magee (2).
Cons: Michael Lawton (7)
Pen: Michael Lawton (2)
Drop Goal
CLICK HERE FOR 18 Pictures Courtesy Of Dungannon rugby Club Tour Party
