Keeshan on target as disciplined Dolphin eye play-offs
Saturday’s win, their eighth of this campaign, was made all the sweeter for the winners who were without talismatic duo, James Coughlan and Tomas O’Leary, on duty with Munster in Cardiff. Dolphin’s task was indeed sizeable given that the visitors could call upon a host of contracted players after Ulster’s Magners League game on Friday night, but, despite the loss of their totem performers, the host outfit’s work rate and commitment was admirable in the face of relentless second half pressure on their own line, which was kept largely intact.
Ireland club international Barry Keeshan landed 12 points to help maintain Dolphin’s 100% home record, and leave the Cork club two points from the coveted fourth spot, currently occupied by Clontarf. A top four finish would mark a wonderful achievement by Dave O’Mahony’s side. However, two of their three remaining fixtures are against perennial title front runners Shannon (home, March 23) and Cork Con (away, April 19), while an away fixture at St Mary’s will not be viewed as a ‘gimme’ either.
