An outstanding man-of the-match performance from David Humphreys added to Dungannon's comprehensive 46-12 victory over Cork Con in the AIB League final at Lansdowne Road this afternoon. In a high tempo and entertaining match, the Ulster man's tally totalled 68 points with captain Paddy Johns taking the Cup north of the border for the first time ever.
Conor Mahony opened the scoring for Cork Con with a drop goal in the second minute but Dungannon quickly responded with two penalties from David Humphreys in the fourth and seventh minute. Brian O'Meara and Humphreys exchanged penalties in the 20th and 22nd minute before Stephen Bell went over for a try in the 29th with Humphreys adding the conversion. Brian O'Meara kept Cork Con in the game with his second penalty in the 40th minute before Humphreys kicked a penalty and executed a well-taken drop goal in the 45th minute to give Dungannon a 16-9 lead at half-time.
In the second half Dungannon resumed their attack with Jonathan Bell scoring Dungannon's second try four minutes into the second half with reliable Humphreys adding the conversion which left Con in a 20-point deficit. Con's captain Ultan O'Callaghan came on in the 50th minute which settled the Munster side and with 12 minutes remaining O'Meara kicked a penalty.
However Cork Con could not break the Dungannon defence despite determined attacks and Dungannon sealed victory in the closing stages with two tries. Alistar Boyd scored Dungannon's third try of the match with Humphreys converting and two minutes later Humphreys scored his fifth penalty of the game. Tyrone Howe wrapped up the game with a tremendous solo try in the last minute with the ever-reliable Humphreys scoring the conversion, which was the last kick of the game.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
