Shouldering the heavy load of the "favourites" tag, Dungannon fared considerably better than their Division One counterparts, Shannon, in their first Division Two game of the season against Greystones. While the 30-6 scoreline suggests a one-sided romp, Greystones made the task infinitely more difficult. Trailing 12-6 at half-time, the visitors frequently threatened until international out-half David Humphreys added two penalties to stretch Dungannon's advantage to 18 points.
John Patterson, the Dungannon number eight, had earlier run in the first try, before a penalty try was added before the break. Two late tries from hooker Allen Clarke and centre Alastair Clarke put a kind veneer on the scoreline for coach Willy Anderson's outfit.
Another 30-point tally came from Old Belvedere, who made easy work of their opening match. A dominant pack offered out-half Donal Martin the opportunity to kick three penalties, three conversions and grab a try as his side defeated Old Wesley 30-3.
Just 6-3 up at the break, Old Belvedere took control in the latter stages with Ray Monaghan and Steve Walsh crossing for tries.
Skerries maintained their reputation as a difficult side to beat at home when Dolphin arrived at Holmpatrick. Skerries' ability to score tries finally told when Clive Lawless crossed after seven minutes, and number eight Brian Higgins added another after the break following a Skerries lineout. Dolphin's only scores came from the boot of out-half John O'Mahony, who kicked all of his team's points in the 18-15 scoreline.
At Rosbrien, Old Crescent, relegated from Division One last season, recovered from a 20-17 margin just after half-time to defeat City of Derry 34-20, running in five tries in the process. Australian centre John Nihill caught the eye with a try, a penalty and three conversions for the winners.
Last year's Division Three champions, Portadown, tasted a little of what's to come when a Bective penalty in injury time gave Bryn Cunningham the chance to secure the points at Donnybrook. Bective had earlier taken a 10-0 lead before the visitors responded to fight back to 10-6 at the break.
Portadown took the lead when Trevor Octave scored from a lineout, before Cunningham's winning kick.
Sunday's Well scored the only try against the recently promoted Ballynahinch at Musgrave Park before going on to win 19-3. Player-coach debutante Ian Calder crossed just before the break for Richie Daly to convert giving the Cork team a 10 point half-time margin.
UCC let in a late try from substitute Dara McAnulty to give Malone a share of the points at the Mardyke, 8-8. Darragh Holt got UCC's try just after the break.
