Dungannon claim bragging rights with win over neighbours Clogher Valley

Dungannon kicked off in this first ever AIL encounter with neighbours Clogher Valley.

The Valley has made impressive strides since its formation in 1990 to now play in AIL 2B and in this game presented the home side with a stern challenge.

Here, we had two Tyrone teams playing fine rugby at times with no quarter given, in front of a crowd not seen at Stevenson Park in many years.

An early Dungannon kick was charged down and the visitors made full use of their advantage, particularly when Dungannon were penalised for not releasing and then for a counter rucking offence. Following some good handling the visitors opened the scoring when Karl Bothwell touched down. David Maxwell converted to make amends for an earlier penalty miss in front of the posts giving them a seven-point start.

Dungannon came back well and within 10 minutes had levelled the score when after a period of pressure and an impressive driving maul from the line out, James Gamble got the opening try, with Ben McCaughey converting at 7-7.

See the full story in this week's Tyrone Courier