Friday Night Lights Victory For Cork Constitution

Cork Constitution are top of Division 1A of the Ulster Bank League for twenty four hours at least after their win over Dolphin under the lights of Musgrave Park.

Dolphin 10, Cork Constitution 17.

After dominating this game for long periods Dolphin’s inability to turn this advantage into scores proved costly as Con’s experience saw them convert their few chances into scores.

Over 2,000 people turned up for this game played in strong misty conditions with a strong wind blowing down the pitch towards the Dolphin end.

Dolphin played with the elements in the opening half but were knocked back after five minutes when a great break by Simon Zebo set up Brian Hayes for a try under the posts and Gerry Hurley converted for a 7-0 lead for the visitors.

Dolphin were camped inside the Con’ Twenty Two for the rest of the half but never threatened a score. Just before half time whistle Con’ broke out and Niall O’Driscoll went in for a second try for a 12-0 interval lead.

Despite playing into the strong wind Dolphin took the game to the visitors and after ten minutes Barry Keeshan kicked a penalty to open Dolphin’s account.

Total domination by the Dolphin pack produced a try shortly after with Willie Devane touching down and Keeshan converted to leave two points between the sides.

Con’ raised their game from the restart. Dolphin saw Thomas O’Leary shown a yellow card and Con' pressed home their numerical advantage. After a few rucks inside the Dolphin Twenty Two, the ball was spread wide and Niall O’Driscoll touched down for his second try to make it 17-10.

Dolphin raised their game in the final ten minutes and when they did produce an overlap, the ball was knocked on just short of the line and with it went Dolphin’s last chance of securing a share of the spoils.

Scorers Dolphin: W Devane try, B Keeshan con, pen.

Cork Constitution: N O’Driscoll 2 tries, B Hayes try, G Hurley con.

Dolphin: Niall Walley: Cian Bohane, Harry Fleming, Willie Devane, Kevin Brophy; Barry Keeshan, Thomas O’Leary; James Cronin, Andy O’Driscoll, Christy Condon; Chris Rowe, David O’Mahony; Dave O’Callaghan, John Quill, Robbie Allen. Replacements: Gavin Duffy, John Cleary, Robert O’Herlihy, Eoin O’Shaughnessy, John O’Flynn.

Cork Constitution: Robert Clune; Cathal Quinn, Niall O’Driscoll, Scott Deasy, Simon Zebo; Darragh Lyons, Gerry Hurley; Martin Gately, Andrew Cudmore, John Ryan; Brian Hayes, Philip Donnellan; Ian Nagle, Brendan Cuttriss, Joe McSweeney. Replacements: Kieran Stokes, Chris Corkery, James Ryan, Johnny Holland, Alex Ryan.

Referee: Dudley Philips (IRFU).