A superb performance from Dundrum's full forward line provided the basis for this encouraging win. Paul Rooney, Cormac Venney and Martin Coughlan combined superbly and were responsible for racking up 2-03 between them which went a long way in condemning Saul to defeat.

   Rooney and Venney were involved in the build up to Coughlan's early goal in the 1st half. The major came about after Paul Rooney took receipt of NJ McLaughlin's well placed pass. Rooney then offloaded to Venney at speed before the latter chipped the ball in to the path of Coughlan who duly dispatched his effort to the net.

   The second Dundrum goal which arrived shortly after the break was once again made in the full forward line. Venney done well to get out in front of his marker and when in possession he lofted the ball over Callum Laverty in the Saul full back line. Rooney was quick to react and the classy forward pounced immediately. He took control of the leather and made a dart for Stratton's goalmouth. Then as the keeper came hurtling out, Rooney cheekily chipped the ball over Stratton's head to the net to finish off yet another glorious move.

   Dundrum's two goals were the high points in an otherwise dreary affair. The game was played in a stop/start manner and there was no real fluidity to events.

   Despite Nathan Keenan opening the scoring for Saul, it was all Dundrum in the first twenty minutes. Coughlan's early goal was followed up with two points from play from Paul McComiskey and a Kieran Walsh free. When Saul did get settled Michael Vint and Keenan pointed a set peice each to leave Saul traling by three points as half time approached.

   Despite getting themselves back in to the game momentarilly, Saul couldn't muster the firepower up front to build on their efforts. A slightly more resourceful Dundrum hit back with scores from Rooney and Venney. The half then came to a close with a well worked JP Burke point which left Saul traling by four.

   The 2nd half burst in to life with Rooney's excellent goal for the Duns. However, the celebrations were short lived as Saul immediately responded with a three pointer of their own. An infringement in the Duns penalty area saw referee Gabriel Tumelty rightly award a penalty to Saul. Up stepped captain Donnan Ritchie. Ritchie was coolness personified and his well struck shot just evaded the cllutches of Dundrum keeper Colm King as it rifled it's way towards the top corner.

   The penalty provided an opening for a period of resurgence from Saul. Once again though it never arrived as Dundrum dampened Saul's spirit through points from Rooney and McComiskey. These scores now afforded Dundrum a six point lead with thirteen minutes remaining.

   Saul are renowned for their battling qualities and these qualities shone through in the next passages of play. The re-invigorated Nathan Keenan popped over a point before grabbing himself a well deserved goal. The goal came about after Keenan rose high in the Dundrum box to collect a wondefully weighted long range pass from Davy McKinley. Keenan then brushed off the challenge of Martin Melville before smashing the ball to the Dundrum net. This score brought Joe Ritchie's men right back in to the melting pot.

   However, Saul ultimately lacked that cutting edge to overtake Dundrum's advantage. This allowed the Duns captain Kieran Walsh a double strike which restored his side's four point lead.

   The final few minutes were very tense. Saul heaped on a bit more pressure and with Kieran Walsh going off injured they started to rule midfield. Yet, the Duns stood firm. The excellent Neil McComiskey and the reliable Philip Shields began to shore up the defence while Martin Coughlan drifted deep to stem the flow of Saul's attacks. John McShane's men managed to hold out in the dying seconds and in the end were full value for their three point victory.

Dundrum: C.King, P.Shields, M.Melville, N.McComiskey, J.McMullan, J.Hurley, M.Cunningham, K.Walsh (0-03, 2F), A.Doyle, C.McShane, NJ McLaughlin, P.McComiskey (0-03, 1F), P.Rooney (1-02, 1F), C.Venney (0-01), M.Coughlan (1-00). Subs: C.Hogg, C.Kielty.