Dungannon fight back for crucial win

AIB LEAGUE DIVISION 1B:

Dungannon 24 Galwegians 15, Stevenson Park

Dungannon overturned a five-point half-time deficit to beat Galwegians 24-15 for a vital win at Stevenson Park this afternoon.

The Tyrone side secured their place in AIB League Division 1B for next season as they picked up only their second victory in nine games, with their Ulster rivals Ballynahinch and Ballymena dropping down to Division 2.

Mid-table Galwegians had little to play for but their pack got on top early on and number 8 Ambrose Conboy helped himself to a brace of tries. Full-back Rob O’Beirn converted one, adding to a penalty, as the visitors built a 15-10 half-time lead.

Dungannon’s first half points came from a Glen Telford try, created by good work from his centre partner Paul Magee, and a conversion and penalty from out-half James Shiells.

But ‘Gannon were able to turn the screw in the second period. With their Division 1B lives riding on this result, they upped the intensity significantly and were rewarded with tries from ever-ready flanker Derek Hall and tighthead prop Mark Farquhar.

Shiells converted both to rob ‘Wegians of a losing bonus point and take his tally for the league run to 84 points.

Best on the day for the visitors were second rows Michael Rainey and Neville Magee, along with pacy winger Chris Chris Cochrane and full-back Conor Gaston. The Galway men had solid displays from prop Ja Naughton, scrum half Kieran Campbell and centre Dave Clarke.

Scorers: Dungannon: Tries: Glen Telford, Derek Hall, Mark Farquhar; Cons: James Shiells 3; Pen: James Shiells

Galwegians: Tries: Ambrose Conboy 2; Con: Rob O’Beirn; Pen: Rob O’Beirn

HT: Dungannon 10 Galwegians 15