Comeback gives Old Belvedere points at Dolphin

DOLPHIN 15 OLD BELVEDERE 18

Old Belvedere came from 12 points down to beat a determined Dolphin side this afternoon, extending their lead at the top of All-Ireland League Division 1A to three points.

The kick-off at Musgrave Park had to be delayed by 20 minutes as the Old Belvedere team bus broke down in Mitchelstown, and Dolphin got off to a blistering start when the game got underway.

A break from out-half Barry Keeshan, on his own 22-metre line, caught the ‘Belvo defence napping and winger Paul Hurley was on hand to finish off a fluid move for the opening try.

Keeshan missed the conversion but added the extras to full-back Niall Whalley’s try, five minutes later, and the table toppers were suddenly 12-0 adrift.

‘Belvo were back on terms, however, by half-time. There was no sense of panic from Phil Werahiko’s men as full-back Daniel Riordan ran in his third try in two league games.

Former Ireland Under-20 prop Stewart Maguire bulldozed through for the visitors’ second try of this end-to-end clash, six minutes before the break, with Keane supplying one conversion.

The Dubliners lost their blindside flanker Karl Miller to a yellow card before Keane landed a drop goal, in the 58th minute, to send ‘Belvo in front for the first time.

They were still three points ahead by the time referee Alan Rogan blew for full-time. The final quarter contained just two scores – a penalty from Keeshan and a match-winning drop goal from Keane.

Scorers: Dolphin: Tries: Paul Hurley, Niall Whalley; Con: Barry Keeshan; Pen: Barry Keeshan

Old Belvedere: Tries: Daniel Riordan, Stewart Maguire; Con: Conal Keane; Drops: Conal Keane 2

HT: Dolphin 12 Old Belvedere 12