Ford says Dolphin must step up a notch against Mary’s

It has been a disappointing start to the season for Ulster Bank League champions St Mary’s College, and Dolphin are keen to heap on the misery at Musgrave Park today.

However, Dolphin coach Steve Ford believes his side must improve on the “decent” performance in their win over Shannon last week if they are to build momentum for a title challenge.

He explained: “We’ve got St Mary’s, Cork Con and then Clontarf, so we’ll know a lot more about where we are after those particular games.

“It doesn’t get any easier but we’re in a good place at the moment, we’re doing some good training and producing some good stuff on the pitch as well.

” We’re keeping boys fresh and I figure the squad is stronger than we had before. There’s a bit of depth there and we’re putting pressure on lads to perform. When that happens, you tend to get more out of your players and, consequently, you should get better results.”

Elsewhere in Division 1A, it is a big day also for city rivals Cork Constitution, away to a Lansdowne side who have won all three games in this campaign. Garryowen bid to maintain their good form against UL Bohs at Thomond Park; Young Munster aim to put the disappointment of a last minute defeat at Temple Hill behind them when they meet Clontarf while Shannon go in search of a first win away to Old Belvedere.

In Division 1B. table toppers Malone host UCD and Belfast Harlequins visit Dungannon for amouth-watering Ulsterderby.

In Division 2A Corinthians are away to Derry, UCC at home toBective Rangers and Banbridge travel to Queens.