Dramatic first win for Dungannon

Dungannon 21 Belfast Harlequins 18

(HT: Dungannon 0 Belfast Harlequins 10)

A try two minutes from the end by man-of-the-match Tim Barker gave Dungannon a priceless win, their first of the season, as they came from behind to defeat Belfast Harlequins 21-18 at Stevenson Park.

Centre Seamus Mallon also scored a try, with full back John McGuckin striking over 11 points with his boot for a famous win for the home side.

The visitors had the game within their grasp, holding a 10-0 half time lead, and they led by fifteen points on the hour mark.

Full back Willem Slabbert hit Harlequins into a second minute lead with a right-sided penalty, with out-half Sean Clancy picking off their first try on twelve minutes. Slabbert converted for the deserved ten-point lead at the break.

Following another Slabbert penalty and a Chris McCarey try, putting Harlequins 18-3 up, they dug deep to come back well, especially through Barker.

McGuckin began to chip away at the 'Quins lead with three penalties and then, with prop Mark Neilly off in the sin-bin, Dungannon's 14 men made a game of it in the 71st minute when Seamus Mallon charged over in the corner.

A dramatic final few minutes saw Dungannon's pick and drive efforts pay dividends when they drove deep into 'Quins 22 before Barker collected and charged over midway out for McGuckin to convert.

Dungannon's win sees them move ahead of fellow strugglers Lansdowne and St Mary's in the table.

Scorers: Dungannon: Tries: Barker, Mallon; Con: McGuckin; Pen: McGuckin 3

Belfast Harlequins: Tries: Clancy, McCarey; Con: Slabbert; Pen: Slabbert 2