Dolphin Guided Home By Keeshan’s Boot
Out-half Barry Keeshan kicked Dolphin back to winning ways at Annacotty as they came good in the second half against hosts UL Bohemians.
Munster’s Denis Hurley, who previously played club rugby for Cork Constitution and UCC, made his league debut for Dolphin as they looked to end a two-match losing streak.
Their hosts UL had also lost their last two Division 1B games, sliding down to ninth in the table, so there was plenty riding on this result.
Another provincially contracted player, JJ Hanrahan, knocked over an early penalty move Bohs ahead and a sin-binning for full-back Hurley left Dolphin short-handed.
The Cork side’s discipline let them down as successive penalties led to a second yellow card, although Hanrahan was unable to plunder the three points.
After Hurley resumed, his Munster colleague Hanrahan missed another shot at the posts before Barry Keeshan kicked one for the visitors, bringing them level on the cusp of half-time – 3-3.
The Dolphin number 10 sent them ahead four minutes after the restart, dinking over a drop goal after a good set-up from his forwards.
Keeshan was on target with a penalty towards the end of the third quarter, but two penalties from Ben Martin brought Bohemians level again at 9-9.
In the closing stages, Keeshan held his nerve to nudge the Corkmen back in front at 12-9 and then the clinching score came when centre Harry Fleming intercepted a pass and raced clear for his second try of the league run.
Referee: Eanna O'Dowd (IRFU)