Rollercoaster rolls on for Garryowen with away win

Ulster Bank League Division 1A: Dolphin 9 Garryowen 14

Garryowen’s topsy-turvy Ulster Bank League campaign continued at Musgrave Park as they secured a five-point victory over hosts Dolphin.

The Light Blues travelled to Cork having alternated each week between losses and wins since the start of the season, their previous two successes coming away from home against Old Belvedere and Cork Constitution.

Dolphin, who were beaten at Lansdowne last time out, took the lead this afternoon playing into the wind.

Garryowen out-half Declan Cusack missed three penalties from kickable range before his opposite number Barry Keeshan slotted over in the 28th minute.

His 22-metre effort saw the Corkmen take the lead against the run of play, but Garryowen managed to hit back as half-time approached.

In a well-worked move the ball was transferred swiftly across the Garryowen back-line for winger Lorcan Bourke to score, and Cusack added the conversion.

Four minutes into what turned out to be an excellent, competitive second half, Keeshan landed his second penalty success to close the gap to 7-6.

Despite some spirited defending from Dolphin, Garryowen were much more potent with ball in hand and young centre Corey Hircock made the breakthrough for a second converted try.

Keeshan nailed a 75th minute penalty to seal a losing bonus point for the home side, who were unable to breach a well-marshalled Garryowen defence.

The result has moved Paul Cunningham’s Limerick side up two places to fifth in the Division 1A table, with Dolphin lying ninth ahead of next weekend’s trip to defending champions ‘Belvo.

Scorers:

Dolphin: Pens: Barry Keeshan 3

Garryowen: Tries: Lorcan Bourke, Corey Hircock; Cons: Declan Cusack 2