Dolphin keep firm grip on Cork Charity Cup

Dolphin 16 Highfield 9

While Dolphin were the stronger side, Highfield refused to surrender and battled in search of scores until the final whistle. Indeed the Woodleigh Park side could have won this game if their kicker, out-half Paddy O’Toole, had enjoyed a more successful afternoon with the boot.

O’Toole saw a penalty from 40m fall short of the target in the opening minute but made amends with two efforts on eight and 11 minutes but missed again midway through the half.

Highfield were enjoying the better of the exchanges in the opening quarter, with Dave Kelly making some powerful runs well supported by Cathal Tuohy and Maurice Power.

Dolphin opened their account on the half-hour with Garret Ó Súilleabháin kicking a penalty but O’Toole restored Highfield’s six-point advantage with a third penalty minutes later to leave it 9-3 at half time.

Dolphin introduced Barry Keeshan and his inclusion saw the holders move up a the gears as they dominated the forward exchanges with Chris Rowe, James Vaughan and Miah Cronin excelling.

A magnificent maul from outside the Highfield 22 on 44 minutes saw Dolphin work the ball over the line and Miah Cronin was credited with the touchdown. Ó Súilleabháin converted for a 10-9 lead.

O’Toole was off target with a penalty minutes later and a great break by Dolphin winger Ed Mills saw Dolphin awarded a penalty which Ó Súilleabháin kicked.

The Dolphin full-back missed a penalty 12 minutes from time but quickly made amends to extend his side’s lead to seven points.

Highfield rallied to try and force extra time but Dolphin held firm.

Meanwhile, a rampant Tommy O’Donnell and his fellow contracted Munster players Sean Henry, Cathal Sheridan, and JJ Hanrahan were the difference between the sides as UL Bohemian deprived Young Munster of a fourth successive Limerick Charity Cup title at Thomond Park on Saturday (18-11).

DOLPHIN: G Ó Súilleabháin; E Mills, H Fleming, C Bohane, OÓ Súilleabháin; B Slater, E O’Shaughnessy; J Leahy, J Cleary, C Condon; C Rowe, D O’Mahony; R O’Herlihy, J Vaughan, M Cronin.

Replacements used: N Scannell, J Cronin, S Randles, K Ryan, C Nolan, B Keeshan, J Kiernan.

HIGHFIELD: C Downs; J Sheahan, C Jouve, C Mahony, M O’Driscoll; P O’Toole, K Foyle; J O’Callaghan, W Falvey, P Ryan; D Kelly, B Carroll; C Tuohy, M power, D Keogh.

Replacements used: J Carlton, D O’Hea, D Norris, G French, B O’Hea, D Buckley-Barry, B Newman.

Referee: B O’Connell (MAR).