Senior League: Dungannon 58 Instonians 17

Dungannon opened their defence of the Stevenson Shield with a 58-17 nine try win over Instonians at a balmy Shaw’s Bridge.

Dungannon attacked from the start and gained their first try on five minutes when Jason Bloomfield fed the white booted Adam Duhig who crashed over. 0 – 5

Two minutes later former Banbridge starlet Nicky Finlay converted a penalty to close the gap to two points. 3 – 5

A Derek Hall tackle won a penalty for Gannon. They elected for a penalty lineout and a great twenty metre drive from the pack brought Mark Farquhar a try in the tenth minute. Michael Lawton converted from near the touch line. 3 – 12

Some confusion in the Inst defence was pounced on by Paul Magee and the Home side were lucky to survive. Then another promising Inst attack was covered by Jason Bloomfield. On seventeen minutes the Inst pressure paid off when Hugh Flanigan sent Chris Henderson over for a try. Nicky Finlay converted to close the gap to two points. 10 – 12

Dungannon were dominating and a Paul McKenzie break looked dangerous,although Mark O’Shea overran the ball carrier Paul Magee was on hand to link and slip the . . .