Bottom side earn win over Dolphin

Blackrock College 31 Dolphin 24

Blackrock College boosted their hopes of avoiding relegation from the top flight of the Ulster Bank League with a bonus point win over Dolphin this afternoon.

Former Leinster lock Des Dillon was among the ‘Rock try scorers as the club, now coached by Ben Mannion following Eric Miller’s departure, claimed a crucial win.

They remain locked in a relegation dog fight with Shannon and Old Belvedere, with only a point separating the sides at the bottom of Division 1A.

Out-half and captain Barry Keeshan led by example for Dolphin, converting Harry Fleming’s try and landing two penalties to keep them in touch at the break - 18-13.

But Blackrock’s greater pace and creativity in the backs proved crucial overall, with Leinster’s Brendan Macken combining well throughout in his midfield axis with Darragh Fitzpatrick and Rob Keogh.

Scrum half Marcus Walsh and full-back Andrew Letham finished off good moves and winger David Rowan also crossed the visitors’ whitewash, with Fitzpatrick kicking the other 11 points.

The losing bonus point for Dolphin, set up by a Niall Scannell and some precise place-kicking from Keeshan, has secured their place in Division 1A for next season.

But bottom side Blackrock remain in relegation trouble and face a season-defining trip to fellow strugglers Shannon in two weeks’ time.

Scorers: Blackrock College: Tries: Marcus Walsh, Andrew Letham, Des Dillon, David Rowan; Con: Darragh Fitzpatrick; Pens: Darragh Fitzpatrick 3

Dolphin: Tries: Harry Fleming, Niall Scannell; Con: Barry Keeshan; Pens: Barry Keeshan 4

HT: Blackrock College 18 Dolphin 13