Cork Con Kick Off Season With Charity Cup Win
The All Ireland League kicks off in a matter of weeks but Club rugby is hotting up in all four provinces. Reigning All Ireland League Champions Cork Constitution got their season off to a good start by winning the Cork Charity Cup, beating old rivals Dolphin in the final.
Cork Constitution and Dolphin got the new season underway at Temple Hill with the final of the 2010 Cork Charity Cup. The match was played in brilliant sunshine and the newly re-laid pitch was in pristine condition as Cork’s two top sides matched up.
Both sides were short some regulars and took the opportunity to give first games to a number of players new to the senior ranks. Scores came in rapid succession throughout.
Cork Con’s top scorer Richard Lane opened his account with a second minute try and conversion, but Dolphin struck back with a try by Kyle O’Dwyer converted by Barry Keeshan.
Dolphin suffered an early loss as Cormac O’Flynn was injured after a clash of heads. Happily he recovered after treatment. Keeshan kicked a second penalty for Dolphin, but Lane added two penalties and converted former UCC player Sean Scanlon’s try to leave Constitution 20-10 ahead at the break.
Lane kicked his third penalty after 48 minutes and Frank Cogan got over for a try from a 5-metre scrum in the 56th minute.
Keeshan had a penalty for Dolphin two minutes later, but Scanlon got the best try of the game in the 63rd minute, when he finished off a move started by Robert Clune’s incisive run down the right-hand touchline; Lane carried on the move and placed Scanlon for the touchdown.
Dolphin had the final score with a try by Chris Rowe, converted by Keeshan, to leave Constitution well in command at the final whistle.
Munster Branch President, Cyril Fitzgerald, was on hand to present the trophy to Cork Constitution captain, Frank Cogan, and medals to the team members.