Dolphin close in on top four

Dolphin edged ever closer to their first Ulster Bank top-four finish when they produced an unlikely but fully deserved victory over Clontarf at Castle Avenue on Saturday.

Beaten at the death by city rivals Constitution on Good Friday, Dolphin put the disappointment behind them with an excellent win in Dublin.

The performance produced five tries, two for Eamonn Mills and one each for John Gleeson, Niall Scannell and James Kiernan, while Barry Keeshan kicked three conversions.

The bonus-point victory edged the Cork side to within a point of Garryowen and two of Cork Con, making next week’s clash with Garryowen at Musgrave Park of crucial importance.

At the other end of the table, Shannon were edged out by St Mary’s College but picked up a losing bonus point and could still avoid relegation trouble in the next fortnight, Old Belvedere’s advantage above them now cut to four points.

In Division 1B, Ballynahinch moved into a commanding position at the top following an away victory over Dublin University, who now seem destined to have to battle it out for second place, and a play-off, with UCD.

The battle for top spot in Division 2A continues into next week when leaders Terenure are at home to UCC and Corinthians entertain Seapoint. The Dublin club lead by a point.

Meanwhile, Rainey Old Boys clinched the Division 2B title with victory in Armagh while NUIM Barnhall, despite a big win at Boyne, will have to be satisfied with second spot.