Dolphin bidding to stop Belvo’s gallop

OLD Belvedere may be the new kids on the block, but their position at the summit of the AIL suggests they haven’t been intimidated since winning promotion last season.

Today, at Musgrave Park (2.30), they hope to take another scalp and make it difficult for Dolphin to surge up the table.

Their trouncing of Shannon makes them the team to watch, but Dolphin’s shock 19-9 victory over Cork Constitution means their trip to Musgrave Park is far from straightforward.

Constitution travel to Dooradoyle to play Garryowen with both sides hit by Munster’s selection demands away to the Dragons.

St Mary’s have won three games in succession but travel to Stradbrook for a clash with Blackrock, just one place behind in fourth. ’Rock are without Ian Madigan and Andrew Conway, who are both away with Leinster.

Bernard Jackman will be hoping Clontarf continue a fine run with victory at Castle Avenue over Lansdowne.

Buccaneers will hardly fret about having to take on Galwegians at Dubarry Park, while it will be a different challenge for Bruff against Dungannon.

Both UCC and UL Bohemians will struggle at the foot of the table but are bound to engage in the pretty side of rugby and, weather permitting, it could well provide a similar quality as that on view at Musgrave Park.