Dolphin Dig Deep At Fortress ‘Muzzer’

Dolphin took their unbeaten home run in the AIB League to 12 matches by outlasting Blackrock College at Musgrave Park on Saturday afternoon.

AIB LEAGUE: DIVISION ONE: Saturday, January 17

DOLPHIN 19 BLACKROCK COLLEGE 15, Musgrave Park
Scorers: Dolphin: Tries: Chris Rowe, Paul Hurley, Nick Williams; Cons: Barry Keeshan 2
Blackrock College: Tries: Shane Monahan 2; Con: Darragh Fitzpatrick; Pen: Darragh Fitzpatrick
HT: Dolphin 14 Blackrock College 7

Aided by a strong wind, Dolphin carved out a 14-7 half-time advantage with lock Chris Rowe and winger Paul Hurley scoring converted tries.

Blackrock had burst into a third-minute lead with a break from their lightning quick backs ending with prolific winger Shane Monahan scoring close to the posts.

Number 10 Darragh Fitzpatrick converted but Dolphin were level within ten minutes when former Wales Under-21 international Rowe, who had a big influence on the game, muscled over for a try which Barry Keeshan converted.

Scoring for the second week running, winger Hurley sliced through to touch down on the stroke of half-time.

Munster recruit Nick Williams, playing his second game for Dolphin, then nudged the Corkmen into a 19-7 lead by shrugging off two defenders to score out wide.

‘Rock danger man Monahan crossed the whitewash again, taking his try-scoring tally for the league campaign to eight, and Fitzpatrick kicked a penalty to cut the gap to four points.

However, Dolphin, superbly drilled by coach Dave O’Mahony, had enough in reserve to hold on for the win and move up to second in the Division One table.