The sides were locked level at 9-9 at the break as ‘Gannon fly half Gareth Steenson landed two penalties and a drop goal to three penalties from new Buccs full back Tom Cregan.

The latter continued his strong form with the boot into the second half as he landed a further three penalties but two tries from the Tyrone hosts decided the tie.

The first came from Ulster winger Tyrone Howe and the second, with Buccs down a man due to David Kelly’s sin-binning, from a penalty try.

Last season’s Ireland Under-21 captain Steenson also added a penalty to complete his personal haul of 16 points and rob Buccs of a bonus point.

Scorers: Dungannon: Tries: Tyrone Howe, Penalty try; Cons: Gareth Steenson 2; Pens: Steenson 4

Buccaneers: Pens: Tom Cregan 6