On a warm sunny afternoon at the Dub Dungannon kicked off against a soft breeze and dazzling sun. Both teams ignored the elements during the first quarter, playing high tempo attacking rugby. Play alternated between defence and attack with the Students probing but Dungannon’s aggressive defence holding firm.
After ten minutes Ben Connelly was binned for allegedly interfering with a tap penalty. From the resultant penalty lineout QUB went through a few phases before left wing Ryan Streak went over. Angus Christie’s conversion attempt rebounded off the near post.
Dungannon then had a period of attacking rugby and gradually worked their way into the game looking comfortable and capable. It was no surprise when after thirty-two minutes Dungannon scored out wide. However, referee Richmond upgraded the score to a penalty try giving Dungannon a deserved lead.
The game continued at a fairly brisk pace until half time. The coaches would have been pleased that their charges, with one debutant and seven with less than a handful of senior rugby appearances, it was an opportunity to give them valuable experience.
The half time break gave Queen’s coach Derek Suffern the time needed to refocus his players. Queen’s were a different animal now running from deep. Dungannon were punished for any loose kicks, missed tackles or needless losses of possession.
Queen’s ran in six tries through Angus Christie, Harry Long (2), Matthew Millar, Jonny Hunter and Rory Christie. Angus Christie converted one and James Wright two.
Comment was made about Dungannon’s inexperienced players with Matthew Maguire having a good debut in the back row and Jacob Clarke battling well on his second appearance. However, the best player on the pitch was the experienced David Leyburn. He was everywhere and made his presence felt throughout the game. It was also good to see Matthew Stockdale make the most of a starting opportunity with a fine performance along with his front row partners Daniel Mikolajczyk and Sean O’Hagan. Young Ben Connolly grows in confidence with each game.
Despite the second half scoring it was a good experience for Dungannon, learning how to cope with pressure situations, deal decisively with offensive situations and with referees’ instructions.
Now we have a rest week before the Senior Cup first round draw. Let us hope for a home game.

Dungannon: Ben McCaughey. Jacob Clarke, James Girvan, Alex Kennedy, Mervyn Brown. Andrew McGregor, Jack Weir. Matthew Stockdale, Daniel Mikolajczyk, Sean O’Hagan. Arek
Mikolajczyk, Logan McIlravie. Ben Connolly, David Leyburn, Matthew Maguire. Ryan Abernethy, Jacob Clarke, Jack Girvan, Aaron Perry.

Queen’s: Stuart Martin. Jonny Hunter, Callum Florence, Cameron McCaughey, Ryan Streak. Rory Christie, Angus Christie. Cameron Hillis, Alexander Clarke, Glynn Longstaff. Jake McKay, Ed Broom. Harry Long, Peter Heasley, Cain Mulholland. George Cohen, Matthew Millar, Michael Rooney, James Wright, Eamonn Rodgers.
Referee: Henry Richmond