A gripping fear of losing can be one of sport's great motivators. Equally, it can prove a mercilessly destructive force capable of tearing asunder such worthy attributes as confidence and spontaneity.

Unfortunately for two of the AIL's strugglers, the latter proved to be the case at Stevenson Park, where Dungannon and Old Belvedere survived on the generous scraps of each others' failings. No risks, but sadly no flair and a paucity of entertainment as the Tyrone side managed to grind out a result which could go some way towards deciding their status for next season.

Keith Walker's first half try in the end proved vital, coming at a crucial juncture when Old Belvedere appeared to have asserted sufficient control. They had forged ahead with three penalties from out-half Billy Tracey before being rocked by second row Walker's 27th minute score, crafted by Blair's decision to opt for touch from a kickable penalty. Blair added the conversion and two penalties to edge his side into a 13-12 interval lead.

Dungannon imposed total domination on the second half, only to see their inhibitions prevent them from registering any more than a single penalty.

In fairness to Old Belvedere, they defended superbly at times, particularly through Kyran Martin and Murray Henderson, but were never able to stem the flow of Dungannon attacks.

A series of wrong options and missed passes, not to mention two bad penalty misses by Blair, frustrated the home support, and it was relief rather than elation which greeted the out-half's successful penalty 13 minutes from the end, the score effectively securing two precious league points.

Scoring Sequence: 5 mins: B Tracey penalty, 0-3; 8: Tracey penalty, 0-6; 11: Tracey penalty, 0-9; 15: A Blair penalty, 3-9; 27: K Walker try, Blair conversion, 10-9, 33: Tracey penalty, 1012; 39: Blair penalty, 13-12; 67: Blair penalty, 16-12.

Dungannon: A Hood; N Moffett, P Magee, A Clarke, R Carey; A Blair, S Bell; D Millar, M Patton, G Leslie, C Simpson, K Walker, A Girvan, J Boyd, J Hastings. Replacements: M Smith for Simpson, C Farrell for Patton.

Old Belvedere: P McKenna; S Sexton, M Ridge, S Tormey, R Brown; B Tracey, B Murphy; R Ward, J Mion, T Kearns, M Henderson, K Martin, F O'Beirne, S Dods. S Walsh. Replacement: D McConnell for Mion.

Referee: D Tyndall (Leinster Branch).