After a run of losses in the Charity Shield, Munster Senior Cup and the opening round of this seasons All Ireland League, Brian Scott was hoping for a home win to turn the tide on what has initially been a disappointing season opener.
After a tough loss to Queens University in Belfast last week all focus now fell to newly promoted side Blackrock College. There were three changes to the squad that were beaten by Queens, the most important being the return of  outhalf Tomas Quinlan.

With near perfect conditions it took just 10 minutes for Dolphin to get their first score on the board as James Rochford crashed over just right of the posts. A Quinlan conversion followed as he calmly slotted it through the uprights.

   
A line break from Sam Boyle in the 22 nd minute saw him take off on an incredible run from just before the halfway line. He coolly found the whitewash and score Dolphin’s second try of the afternoon.

 

Blackrock College finally found themselves getting a score on the board by the 33 rd minute as they slotted over a penalty. The final score of the first half went to captain Ryan Foley as found himself under the posts in the 35 th minute. A quick Quinlan conversion followed. By half time the score stood at 21-3 in favour of the homeside.

The opening stages of the second half saw three separate players receive yellow cards. Two for Dolphin as both Sam Boyle and full back Daryl Foley were sent off for differing infringements, and one for Blackrock. Down to just 13 men Dolphin held strong and prevented Blackrock from scoring during both 10 minute periods.
Back to a full contingents on both sides, it wasn’t until the 72 nd minute that Blackrock found the try line for the first time that afternoon. With the
conversion going wide the scoreline stood at 21-8 with just under 10 minutes left on the clock.
A chaotic closing 10 minutes occurred once play got back underway. Centre Cam O’ Shaughnessy found the whitewash in the 82 nd minute, but it was a maiden AIL try for Alex Pope that saw out the end of this clash.

 

As the final whistle sounded Dolphin finally gained their first win of the season as they defeated the D4 natives 35-8.
It was a well-deserved win for Brian Scott’s men.
We are on the road once again this week as we take on Navan in Balreask Old this Saturday afternoon as our AIL season continues.