Garryowen maintain form with narrow win

Garryowen 24 Dungannon 23

Garryowen survived a stern test of their five-game unbeaten record in Division One to edge Dungannon in a nervy encounter at Dooradoyle.

Paul Cunningham’s men, who lie a single point behind leaders Shannon heading into the Christmas break, were in flying form in the first half as they stretched out to a 24-6 lead.

Centre Kevin Hartigan and wingers Ciaran O’Boyle and Adam O’Loughlin scored a try apiece in the opening forty minutes with Garryowen’s top scorer Conor Kilroy pinging over nine points with the boot.

O’Boyle’s effort was his fourth try in six games.

But Dungannon, aided by the fine form of fly-half Gareth Steenson, staged a comeback bid in the second half. Steenson added a penalty to his first half brace and converted tries for full-back Stanley McDowell and centre Glen Telford but the home side hung on.

Scorers: Garryowen: Tries: Kevin Hartigan, Ciaran O’Boyle, Adam O’Loughlin; Cons: Conor Kilroy 3; Pen: Kilroy

Dungannon: Tries: Stanley McDowell, Glen Telford; Cons: Gareth Steenson 2; Pens: Steenson 3

HT: Garryowen 24 Dungannon 6