Garryowen back to winning ways

Dungannon 19 Garryowen 26

After two defeats and a draw in their opening three AIB League games this season, Division One regulars Garryowen are now right back in the play-off mix after today's 26-19 victory over Dungannon.

Garryowen came away from Stevenson Park with their fourth successive league win to give them much heart and encouragement for what lies beyond the Christmas break.

Dara O'Sullivan's side, now up to fourth in the table, got the ideal start when winger Ciaran O'Boyle continued his recent scoring run by breaching the Dungannon defence in the fourth minute for the opening try.

Full-back Conor Kilroy converted and cancelled out a John McGuckin penalty with one of his own after 16 minutes of frenetic play.

The Tyrone men wrestled back control when Richard McCarter, who is just back from a long-term hamstring injury, snuck over for a try which McGuckin converted. And a second McGuckin penalty had 'Gannon leading 13-10.

But Garryowen found another gear before half-time and worked flanker Anthony Kavanagh over for a converted try. Another Kilroy penalty pushed the 2006/07 champions into a seven-point lead.

The in-form Kilroy further boosted Garryowen's tally with two meaty penalties after 46 and 54 minutes.

And despite some spells of territorial dominance, Dungannon had to settle for a losing bonus point thanks to two more place-kicks from the equally effective McGuckin.

Scorers:

Dungannon: Try: Richard McCarter; Con: John McGuckin; Pens: John McGuckin 4

Garryowen: Tries: Ciaran O'Boyle, Anthony Kavanagh; Cons: Conor Kilroy 2; Pens: Conor Kilroy 4