Dungannon stun Shannon

Dungannon 25 Shannon 18

Dungannon turned the AIB League Division One table on its head as they shocked leaders Shannon at Stevenson Park today.

Ex-Ireland international Jonny Bell bagged two second half tries to inspire Dungannon to their first ever league win over Shannon in 14 meetings.

Tries from backs Andrew Finn and Richard Mullane had Shannon leading 12-11 at half-time.

But scores, either side of the break, from flanker Derek Hall and Bell helped 'Gannon go in front and Hall took an up-and-under to set up Bell's clincher in the 58th-minute.

Having rattled up an aggregate points tally of 110 in their last three league games against Dungannon, Shannon travelled north with a good deal of confidence, particularly with John Andrews’ side bottom of the table before kick-off.

Shannon did have the better of the opening 20 minutes although a try from right winger Finn was all they had to show for their efforts. Two penalties from Richard McCarter then put ‘Gannon the ascendancy but their lead was short-lived.

Shannon kicked a penalty to touch, won the lineout and recycled the ball for young centre Mullane, who was making his first league start for the club, to barge his way through from midfield.

Andrew Thompson converted for 12-6 and after the kick match referee Alan Rogan brought play back to sin-bin Dungannon flanker Thomas Anderson for pulling down the lineout.

The hosts were really up against it but a fantastic 25-yard break from openside flanker Andy Hughes paved the way for his blindside colleague Hall to score just before half-time.

Trailing by a point, ‘Gannon scored a real sucker-punch try when Bell, a coach at the club who was brought in to ease an injury crisis, used all his experience to read a pass in midfield, intercept it and fly in under the posts.

John McGuckin made it a seven-pointer and he was also on target, coming up to the hour mark, after a high kick caused problems in the Shannon defence and Hall gobbled up the loose ball to put the supporting Bell over.

Suddenly 25-12 in arrears, Shannon were in real trouble, trouble which they never got out of. They did close the gap and nab a losing bonus point thanks to two Thompson penalties, however ‘Gannon were good enough to hold on for a much-needed home win.

Scorers:

Dungannon: Tries: Jonny Bell 2, Derek Hall; Cons: John McGuckin 2; Pens: Richard McCarter 2

Shannon: Tries: Andrew Finn, Richard Mullane; Con: Andrew Thompson; Pens: Andrew Thompson 2.