Galwegians could enjoy a feeling of relief and satisfaction when opening their AIB League division one campaign with a heart-stopping victory over Dungannon at Crowley Park on Saturday.

Having dominated much of the proceedings and crossed the line for two tries, it all looked in vain for the Galway side as Dungannon outhalf David Humphreys lined up to take the last kick of the match. On this occasion the strong wind saw his effort from the 10 metre line sail wide.

Galwegians took some time to settle and were disappointed to turn around with just six points from two Eric Elwood penalties. Within 13 minutes of the restart Humphreys had levelled matters. Yet two minutes later Dungannon were shattered when Gavin Duffy went over in the corner to give Galwegians an 11-6 lead.

Five minutes later the roles were reversed when Alistair Hood respond in similar fashion. When Humphreys converted a penalty four minutes later Dungannon had victory in their sights.

They were to be disappointed as full back Willie Ruane raced through for the deciding score.

Scoring sequence: 4mins: Elwood pen, 3-0. 20: Elwood pen, 6-0. 42: Humphreys pen, 6-3. 53: Humphreys pen, 6-6. 55: Duffy try, 11-6. 60: Hood try, 11-11. 64: Humphreys pen, 11-14. 78: Ruane try, 16-14.

Galwegians: W Ruane; G Duffy, P Duignan, T Allnutt, D Rumney; E Elwood, B Shelbourne; D McFarland, P Clery, P Bracken, J Casserly, M McConnell, J Charlie, B Gavin, M Swift. Replacements: D Browne for Casserly (51m), J O'Connor for Gavin (56m).

Dungannon: B Cunningham; A Hood, J Cunningham, A Redpath, M Bradley; D Humphreys, R Mercer; J Fitzpatrick, A Clarke, G Leslie, P Johns, A Kearney, A Boyd, A Hughes, T McWhirter. Replacements: A Blair for Mercer (69m), N Bradley for Clarke (69m), R Mackey for Leslie (69m).

Referee: A Lewis.