Lansdowne take valuable win at Musgrave Park

Dolphin 23 Lansdowne 30

Lansdowne’s scoring power proved too much for Dolphin to handle at Musgrave Park today as Mike Ruddock’s men moved up to fifth in the Division 1A table.

Dolphin fell behind to a second-minute penalty from Craig Ronaldson, who was back on duty for Lansdowne after playing twice for the Ireland Club team.

But Dolphin had broken 10-3 ahead by the quarter hour mark thanks to a Barry Keeshan penalty and a try in the corner from Chris Nolan which Keeshan converted.

Successive penalties from out-half Ronaldson, after 17 and 22 minutes, closed the gap and Lansdowne’s persistence paid off with a penalty try just before the break.

The visitors enjoyed a flying start to the second half as their backs found their rhythm and scrum half John Cooney finished off a tremendous 43rd minute try.

Ronaldson converted from in front of the posts for a 23-10 scoreline and a scrappy forwards battle ensued until the game opened up again in the final quarter.

Keeshan slotted a 66th minute for Dolphin, yet Lansdowne were quick to respond with full-back and captain Ross McCarron adding a third converted try.

The Corkmen had the gap down to 10 points again when Cian Bohane broke forward with purpose, setting up a try for flanker John Quill.

Keeshan landed the conversion and also kicked a late penalty to grab a losing bonus point for the home side.

Scorers:

Dolphin: Tries: Chris Nolan, John Quill; Cons: Barry Keeshan 2; Pens: Barry Keeshan 3

Lansdowne: Tries: Penalty try, John Cooney, Ross McCarron; Cons: Craig Ronaldson 3; Pens: Craig Ronaldson 3