All square at Stevenson Park

Dungannon 12 Galwegians 12

Dungannon ended a run of five successive league defeats but Galwegians winger Liam Bibo denied them a much-needed victory at Stevenson Park.

Bibo landed an 81st-minute penalty to hand ‘Wegians a share of the spoils in a defence-dominated game.

Assistant coach Jonny Bell lined out for Dungannon in midfield. The hosts also welcomed back out-half Richard McCarter from a hand injury but their try-scoring chances were limited.

In the end, Bibo was able to answer John McGuckin’s 12-point haul with four penalties of his own.

It was 15th plays 10th in the table at the County Tyrone venue but there was little to chose between these two teams, particularly during what was a scoreless first quarter.

McGuckin, ‘Gannon’s top scorer before kick-off, opened the scoring with a well-struck penalty in the 23rd-minute but it was a case of anything you can do, I can do better as the Australian-born Bibo, a recent recruit for Connacht, quickly replied for the men from the west.

The left winger kicked very well in ‘Wegians’ win at Greystones seven days ago and he did so again today. However, his second penalty was sandwiched between two fine efforts from McGuckin – after 32 and 41 minutes – as John Andrews’ home side took a 9-6 lead into the break.

The game remained tight during the second 40 minutes. McGuckin, who missed just one place kick when he knocked a 35-metre shot off the post, managed to keep the Tyrone men in front.

He sent over his fourth successful penalty in the 79th-minute, replying to a Bibo kick on the hour mark, but the ‘Wegians number 11 had the final say with a smashing kick in injury-time.

‘Wegians did threaten a good deal behind the scrum with lively centre Alipate Tuilevuka, who is part of the extended Connacht squad, putting in some rampaging runs but the visitors’ handling let them down and Dungannon fared little better.

Scorers: Dungannon: Pens: John McGuckin 4

Galwegians: Pens: Liam Bibo 4