Bonus Point Joy For Dungannon

AIB LEAGUE: DIVISION 1B: Saturday, November 14

DUNGANNON 27 BUCCANEERS 3, Stevenson Park

Scorers: Dungannon: Tries: Craig Gilroy, Nigel Brady, James Shiells, Stuart McKenzie; Cons: John McGuckin 2; Pen: John McGuckin
Buccaneers: Pen: Adam Kennedy

Dungannon lost 36-23 to the Pirates at this venue last season and revenge was clearly on their minds, albeit with Buccs scrum half Adam Kennedy kicking the visitors into an early lead.

But Kennedy’s penalty was followed by four tries – two in each half – from a home side which thrived in open play.

Centre Paul Magee, flanker Ali Birch, who played for the Ulster Ravens last week, and lock Michael Rainey all did considerable damage.

Magee was involved in Dungannon’s opening try as he laid off for winger Craig Gilroy to cross for his second try of the campaign.

Full-back John McGuckin launched a great counter attack to set the Tyrone men on the way to their second touchdown.

The move continued with some excellent support play from the home back row and Ulster hooker Nigel Brady finished it off in the left corner.

A penalty from McGuckin closed off the first half’s scoring at 13-3. A quarter-of-an-hour into the second half, try number 3 was scored by out-half James Shiells, who did well to dart in under posts after initially losing his footing.

McGuckin added the conversion and the bonus point was secured with Buccs down to 14 men.

Dungannon were solid at a close range scrum and number 8 Stuart McKenzie picked off the base and drove over for the fourth try, which McGuckin converted.

The five-point return has moved ‘Gannon up to third in the table, while Buccs, suffering their first defeat in three league games, have slipped one place from sixth to seventh.