Dolphin through despite loss

AIB LEAGUE DIVISION 1A:

Cork Constitution 23 Dolphin 13, Temple Hill

Dolphin managed to make it through to the AIB League Division 1semi-finals, despite losing to their local rivals Cork Constitution in their final league game.

With defending champions Shannon slipping up at home to Garryowen, Dolphin’s final day defeat did not alter their position of third in the Division 1A table.

Interestingly, with Cork Con confirmed in top spot, the Cork sides will meet again at Temple Hill in the upcoming semi-finals.

Today’s clash saw Constitution start with the wind at their backs but Munster full-back Scott Deasy fluffed his lines by missing two early penalties.

He opened the scoring from a 35-metre effort and a try from winger Cronan Healy steadied the hosts at 8-0.

Seven minutes before the break, Munster centre Tom Gleeson broke through for his third try in two games, with out-half Daragh Lyons adding the conversion.

Dolphin had been on the defensive for most of the opening half, and a tense battle ensued up front. Cork Con had the firepower behind the scrum to take their chances, and it was no surprise when fit-again scrum half Duncan Williams claimed try number three.

Penalties either side of half-time from captain Barry Keeshan closed the gap for Dolphin to 20-6, and the visitors, with plenty to play for, had the better of the second period.

Steve Ford’s men collected their one and only try when back rower Robbie Allen made a break and scrum half Sam Cronin was up in support to score his fourth try of the league campaign.

Keeshan’s conversion made it a seven-point game but the final points came from Deasy who landed his second penalty late on.

Scorers: Cork Constitution: Tries: Cronan Healy, Tom Gleeson, Duncan Williams; Con: Daragh Lyons; Pens: Scott Deasy 2

Dolphin: Try: Sam Cronin; Con: Barry Keeshan; Pens: Barry Keeshan 2

HT: Cork Constitution 20 Dolphin 3