Promotion favourites Dungannon moved to the top of the All-Ireland League Division Two table for the first time following last night's hard-fought victory over former pace-setters Malone.

They went in front after just eight minutes when repeated Malone infringements led to a penalty try being awarded.

The home side increased their lead in the 24th minute with a Stephen Bell try for a 12-0 interval lead. Malone were rewarded for 20 minutes of solid endeavour with a pushover try by flanker Neil Best, but Bell went in for his second try seven minutes from the end to seal the points for the home side.

Dungannon: R Morrow; J Davis, Alistair Clarke, A Redpath, R Cowan; A Blair, S Bell; J Fitzpatrick, Allen Clarke, G Leslie, C Simpson, K Walker, M Patton, C Farrell, J Hastings.

Malone: G Fry; S Porter, M Crothers, A Mackey, S Carroll; N Patterson, C Shields; R Mackey, A Benson, L Stewart, S Duncan, J Gregg, P Hunter, N Best, M O'Brien. Replacements: R Scott for Porter, M Graham for Benson, G McQuat for Shields.

Referee: D Napier (Ulster Branch).