Old Belvedere in relegation mire

Dolphin 17 Old Belvedere 16, Musgrave Park

Old Belvedere fell deeper into the relegation mire when Dolphin edged them out at Musgrave Park this afternoon.

With player-coach Andy Dunne taking over the coaching reins from the departed Phil Werahiko, ‘Belvo were hoping for a change of form in Cork.

But they got off to the worst possible start when Dolphin lock Chris Rowe charged forward and set up hooker Andy O’Driscoll for a fourth minute try.

Barry Keeshan’s conversion was replied to a brace of penalties from Old Belvedere winger Eamonn Fitzgerald after 12 and 17 minutes.

Indeed, Fitzgerald kicked the Dubliners ahead for the only time in the 31st minute with his third penalty success.

However, just four minutes later, home flanker John Quill made the breakthrough for a second Dolphin try to give them a 12-9 buffer at the break.

Steve Ford’s side added a third try through young number 8 Ryan Murphy barely two minutes into the second half.

Dolphin though were unable to push on for a bonus point score and in a forwards-dominated game, the hosts were forced to defend for much of the final quarter.

‘Belvo scored a terrific counter attack try in the 74th minute to set up a grandstand finish. Centre John Kennedy finished off a length-of-the-pitch move by darting in under the posts for a converted score.

That made it a one-point game but Dolphin managed to hold on despite the best efforts of ‘Belvo’s Daniel Riordan and Richie Leyden.

Scorers: Dolphin: Tries: Andy O’Driscoll, John Quill, Ryan Murphy; Con: Barry Keeshan

Old Belvedere: Try: John Kennedy; Con: Daniel Riordan; Pens: Eamonn Fitzgerald 3

HT: Dolphin 12 Old Belvedere 9