Ulster Bank League: A good result for Dungannon as they ran in seven tries gaining a bonus point against Buccs and leapfrogging over their rivals to move up to fifth place on forty-one points. With three points separating Ballynahinch in second place on 43 points and Buccaneers in sixth place on forty points it is tight to say the least. Ulster rugby people will be disappointed that although Hinch and Dungannon moved up the table leaders Belfast Harlequins lost ground as they went down to Bruff at Deramore. Dungannon travel to play the doughty Bruff next week in what is a very pivotal game for both Clubs.
Buccs took the lead in the second minute when Jack Carty kicked a penalty. Who would have though that this was to be their only points of the eighty minutes.
0 – 3
Dungannon went on the attack right away and when awarded a penalty on the Buccs twenty-two ran the ball with James McMahon being held a yard short. The pressure was maintained but two chances were squandered before an extraordinary decision robbed Dungannon of their scrum half’s services for ten minutes. Buccs were under severe pressure and as they were impeding the release of the ball at a ruck the Referee penalised scrum half Campbell as he was trying to hasten the release of the ball with his foot. The Faithfull were amazed when instead of a penalty to Dungannon it was a yellow against. Fortunately this had little affect on the outcome of the game as Gannon maintained the pressure with seven forwards. Dungannon were again guilty of wasting opportunities before good work by Stuart McCloskey maintained field position and a quick pass sent Christopher Cochrane off, he bullied his way up to the Buccs line but weight of numbers did not allow him to ground the ball. However a fine bit of play from the Gannon pack resulted in James McMahon powering over for a try after thirty-two minutes. Michael Lawton’s conversion attempt rebounded off an upright.
3 – 5
Dungannon went on the offensive from the restart and when quick hands from Paul McKenzie sent Chris Cochrane away, he drew the fullback and passed inside to the supporting Conor Gaston who raced over for the try after thirty-seven minutes. Michael Lawton converted.
12 – 3
In first half injury time Jaryd Bennett did magnificently to collect a Kieran Campbell kick and off load Michael Lawton who raced away from the defence to touch down beside the posts for a self converted try.
19 – 3
The opening score of the second half was going to influence the outcome of the match. On forty-seven minutes Buccaneers were trying to break out of defence. A poorly judged chip over the top was collected midfield by Bennett who quickly sent the ball out to Lawton on the right. Michael went for the line from thirty-five out and beat his opposite number before forcing his way over the line despite the attention of two defenders. He converted with a fine kick.
26 – 3
This gave Dungannon the try bonus point and put the nail in Buccs coffin. Buccaneers then lost a player following a so called tip tackle. The referee was probably left with little option but to obey the current directives but it was most unfortunate for hooker Stapleton, there was neither malice nor danger in the tackle but it was one of those tackles that attract attention.
Following a series of scrums the ball was moved and off the first phase Kieran Campbell flung out a long ass to James McMahon who burst through for the try. Michael again converted.
33 – 3
The Faithfull were lifted not only by the score but the first AIL appearance this season of Glen Telford. Although he did not have much to do he did announce his presence with a timely and telling tackle late on.
On the hour mark Chris Cochrane touched down for his now obligatory try before ten minutes later Michael Lawton finished off a move for his hat trick of tries. Michael also converted both tries and amassed 27 points on the day.
47 – 3
A good result and with a game in hand we are back in the mix but we need to keep on winning to make the effort count at the end of the campaign.
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Team: Conor Gaston. Michael Lawton, Paul McKenzie, Stuart McCloskey, Christopher Cochrane. Jaryd Bennett, Kieran Campbell. Glen Sinnamon, Paul Jackson, Mark Farquhar. Timothy Smith, Mark Jenkinson.
Adam Duhig, Rowan Halsall, James McMahon. Philip Whyte, Ben Howard, Paul McCarroll Mark O’Shea, Glen Telford.
Referee: Enna O’Dowd
Tries: James McMahon (2), Conor Gaston, Michael Lawton (3) & Chris Cochrane.
Conversions: Michael Lawton (6)
Penalties:
