“Galwegians are back in Division 2A after seven years away and their return begins with familiar opposition in Dungannon. The teams last met just over a year ago in Division 2B” (Irish Rugby Online)
Dungannon opened their All Ireland League Division 2A with a home game against Galway team Galwegains RFC at Stevenson Park on Saturday.
Galwegians started the match with more determinates to get the first score but Dungannon were first on the scoreboard through a well worked backline play which saw ball passed through the hands of debutant Blake Redmond, Peter Nelson, Toby Gribben, Callum Johns and then the scorer James Girvan who went over in the corner. Ben McCaughey missed the conversion.
McCaughey came off with a leg injury and was replaced with another debutant Olie Berry.
The home team started to take their chances when they got them, but errors and penalties were curtailing any more scores and Galwegians defence was holding them out.
Just before half time Galwegians found a gap in the ‘Gannon defence and a chip over winger Berry seen the ‘Wegians full black Cian Brady dive on the ball to get a try for the away team.
It was all level at half time 5 – 5, setting up an exciting second half.
Dungannon kicked off, putting pressure on the scrum half kicking into touch. Sam Montgomery threw into the lineout with Cameron Steenson catching and ‘Gannon mauled the traveling team 20 metres up the pitch, Gribben released the ball into the backs and Nelson ducked his way through the blue line of defence to score. This was a great try from the whole team. Nelson converted.
Galwegians were more fired up to get the next score on the board however the blue and white defensive line stayed strong to keep them out.
James McCammon ripped the ball from the ‘wegians ruck and the backline again took their chance when Girvan and Berry worked on the wing to chip and chase. Girvan gathering to get his second try of the match. Nelson missed the conversion.
The rain arrived and handling errors creeped in with a slippery ball for both teams. Dungannon pushed hard to get the bonus point fourth try but just couldn’t manage it.
The game finished 17 – 5 for the home team and a good start to their All Ireland League 2A campaign. Dungannon travel to Dublin this Saturday to play Wanderers FC.
Wanderers will be looking for their first win after a tight loss to Corinthians last weekend.
Dungannon: A. Edgar, S. Montgomery, S. O’Hagan, C. Johns, C. Steenson, D. Leyburn, A. Milligan, J. McMahon, T. Gribben, P. Nelson, A. Lewis, K. Gormley, J. Girvan, B. Redmond, B. McCaughey, J. McCammon, J. Carroll, S. Todd, A. Johnston, O. Berry