ALAN McGOWAN'S sporting world crumbled in midweek when he was omitted from the Blackrock side for Saturday's important Insurance Corporation League clash against Dungannon at Stevenson Park.

But fate was destined to intervene and instead of the anonymity of the replacements bench, McGowan stole the spotlight in a thrilling climax.

Blackrock's stirring comeback was fashioned by an efficient, mobile pack and garnished by a flash of McGowan brilliance that helped to give his side the league points.

Dungannon, who had not been beaten at home in the league, had hoped to maximise the advantage of playing on their own soil and indeed they looked well on the way to achieving this aim when they led 13-0 at half time.

The home side could badly have asked for a better start. Within four minutes, they had punctured a huge hole in Blackrock's morale when eager Roger Cowan snapped up a pass and showed the visitors' cover a clean pair of heels as he swept in for a try which Ashley Blair converted.

Dungannon, with Hastings and Patton busy upfront, kept Blackrock pegged back and when Blair kicked a penalty in the 22nd minute, it was no more than the home side deserved.

Blackrock's inability to achieve a degree of fluency and their lack of authority at halfback, militated against their overall strategy and Dungannon went further ahead when Stephen Bell dropped a goal to give his side their 13-0 interval advantage.

But Blackrock's resilience and experience stood them in good stead in the second half. They adopted a much more confident approach, moved the ball swiftly and their tactical kicking proved a decisive weapon in their armoury.

With just three minutes gone, they received the boost they needed and, appropriately, it was supplied by the inspirational Mike Brewer. The New Zealander powered his way over the Dungannon line for a crucial Blackrock try which David Lynagh converted.

The Blackrock pack stepped up a gear but Dungannon defended stoutly, particularly round the fringes of the scrum.

Blackrock's patience and probing paid off however, when man of the moment McGowan took a centre stage role.

With nine minutes left, the substitute gained possession and forced his way through two tackles to touch down for what proved to be the decisive score of the match. Lynagh added the points and although Dungannon attempted to salvage something in the closing stages, particularly through Blair and Carey, Blackrock held out for a narrow win.