Classy Coughlan seals win for Dolphin

DOLPHIN are still sitting pretty on top of Division Two of the AIB League following a hard-fought victory over Midleton at Musgrave Park on Saturday.

The 16-6 success was welcomed by coach Hamish Adams and was achieved mainly through a second half try from backrow forward James Coughlan, now a target of Munster coach Alan Gaffney.

The former CBC school's star was one of Dolphin's brightest lights as the city side capably dealt with the vigorous challenge mounted by the east Cork side.

Mike Pettman, Dolphin's best 'import' was not available, while Midleton were forced to play Packie Hallissey at number 10 when Damon Urlich and Gavin Donald were ruled out through injury.

Hallissey has been there and done that for Kilfeacle in the junior ranks but, aged 38, it was too much to expect of him. Eventually it came down to Dolphin's attacking capability and the try, scored by Coughlan midway through the second half, sealed the victory. In the circumstance, Midleton would have been happy with a bonus point but they didn't even get that.

Dolphin coach Adams, delighted that his side go into the New Year ahead of the pack, admitted that it was a hard struggle.

"The Midleton pack is very good. We knew it was going to be tough and I was delighted that our guys stood up to the Midleton threat.

"We were a bit concerned at Mike Pettman's absence but, then again, it gave us an opportunity to experiment. It wasn't the greatest of games but the result is all that counts "Midleton have made great strides and it is nice to beat them, by one point or by 30 points."

Apart from the crucial try by Coughlan, John O'Mahony weighed in with three penalties and a conversion. Midleton responded with a penalty from Hallissey and a drop goal from his inside partner Brian Morris.

Old Crescent kept pace with the leaders with a 19-6 victory over Young Munster at Clifford Park.

Stephen Tuohy played a major role when he contributed 14 of the Old Crescent points and Young Munster are now certainly doomed to another season in the second division after their relegation last season. Crescent are in second place behind Dolphin with Young Munster seven points adrift.

On a day when postponements were the order of the day three games were called off Thomond kept up their challenge for promotion with a narrow victory at Fitzgerald Park over DLSP.

The County Dublin side managed to take a bonus point as they fell 12-10 to push them above the relegation zone. But they are far from safe because, apart from Greystones, who lost to Old Belvedere, Sunday's Well, Portadown and Dublin University, all have matches in hand.

The Murray Kidd-coached Sunday's Well side made the long trip to take on Ballynahinch only to find that the match was called off. They are closest to DLSP on 10 points and look to have secured their position in the

division. The real relegation candidates are Dublin University, Portadown and Greystones.

University College Cork surprised Barnhall with the intensity of effort at the Mardyke.Barnhall, unlucky not to win promotion last season, lost out by a couple of points.

They got the bonus point by finishing within seven as losers, but UCC, despite their lack of experience, managed to secure their position for another season