Dolphin sink as 'Rock win in Cork

Dolphin 6 Blackrock College 13

Valiant Dolphin slipped to Division Two of the AIB League after their salvation battle against Blackrock College at Musgrave Park ended in a 13-6 defeat thanks to a second half try from Ireland U21 captain David Gannon.

Sixth-placed Blackrock College had little to play for but preserved their healthy away record, with five wins from six road trips this season, thanks to Gannon’s effort and two penalties and a conversion from full back Conor Kilroy.

Dolphin, who were promoted in 2003, had claimed just two wins and a draw at the Cork venue in this campaign and were struggling early on in drizzly conditions.

With large tracts of possession coming the visitors’ way, Kilroy’s 28-metre penalty after 17 minutes was the opening half’s only score.

‘Rock’s previous visit to Cork ended in a 28-25 defeat to leaders Con, and Dolphin were level for a short period when John O’Mahony punished hands in the ruck with a 47th minute penalty.

‘Rock out-half John Walsh, who grabbed a try a fortnight ago against Garryowen, kicked his side into a strong field position just on the hour-mark and following four cohesive phases, lock Gannon mauled over from 10 metres out to the right of the posts.

Kilroy converted the vital score for a 10-3 lead, and whilst Dolphin got within a converted score and grasped a bonus point from the game, with O’Mahony and Kilroy trading further penalties, the damage was already done with Hamish Adams’ side having slipped from 11th to last place in the past two months.