Dolphin off the bottom as race for top four places heats up

DOLPHIN’S victory over Blackrock College in the Ulster Bank League at Stradbrook on Saturday has pushed them back into a stronger position as the battle for top four places intensifies.

With Constitution in first, Old Belvedere in second and St. Mary’s College in third, it appears the other five clubs have become immersed in two different types of struggle. They’re only a win away from the top four but equally in grave danger of being relegated.

Con have 28 points, Belvedere 27 and St. Mary’s 23, with the rest following on with 16, 15, 14 and 13. It’s all to play for.

Dolphin’s win away to Blackrock was hugely important; it lifted them off the bottom and left the Dublin side propping up the table instead. Garryowen’s win over Shannon on Friday night was equally important but merely highlighted that there isn’t much between the teams in this division bar the two most consistent sides at the top.

It was no surprise that Clontarf continued to dominate division 1B; they enjoyed a relatively easy home win over struggling Galwegians, while Buccaneers continued to press when they proved way too good for Bruff at Dubarry Park. Buccaneers are five points behind the leaders but have a game in hand, while Lansdowne continue in third place despite losing away to UCC.

The only movers of the weekend, however, were UL Bohemian whose 32-22 win over Dungannon allows them move from fifth to fourth, while Bruff and the Ulster club drop down one place each.

Ballynahinch, UCD and Bective Rangers all won to retain the top spots in division two, while Midleton’s victory over Old Crescent and Belfast Harlequins’ win over Corinthians push them into fourth and fifth place respectively.

Neither was there any change at the top of division three, with Instonians, Seapoint and City of Derry all winning, while Banbridge, Sunday’s Well and Nenagh Ormond, with wins over Greystones, Highfield and Rainey Old Boys respectively, were the three teams to move up the table.