Garryowen Pick Up Points On The Road Again
Garryowen’s topsy-turvy Ulster Bank League campaign continued as Musgrave Park as they secured a five-point victory over hosts Dolphin.
The Light Blues travelled to Cork having alternated each week between losses and wins since the start of the season, their previous two successes coming away from home against Old Belvedere and Cork Constitution.
Dolphin, who were beaten at Lansdowne last time out, took the lead on Saturday afternoon playing into the wind.
Garryowen out-half Declan Cusack missed three penalties from kickable range before his opposite number Barry Keeshan slotted over in the 28th minute.
His 22-metre effort saw the Corkmen take the lead against the run of play, but Garryowen managed to hit back as half-time approached.
In a well-worked move the ball was transferred swiftly across the Garryowen back-line, with Ronan O'Mahony and Corey Hircock setting fleet-footed full-back Lorcan Bourke for a try.
Cusack landed the conversion at the second attempt after referee David Wilkinson ordered it to be retaken due to a premature charge from Dolphin.
Four minutes into what turned out to be an excellent, competitive second half, Keeshan landed his second penalty success to close the gap to 7-6.
Despite some spirited play from Dolphin, who had the better of possession after the break, their discipline let them down and Keeshan was held up short of the line in the 70th minute.
Garryowen were much more potent with ball in hand and young centre Hircock broke away for a second converted try which wrapped up the away win.
Keeshan nailed a 75th minute penalty to seal a losing bonus point for the home side, who were unable to breach a well-marshalled Garryowen defence.
The result has moved Paul Cunningham’s Limerick side up two places to fifth in the Division 1A table, with Dolphin lying ninth ahead of next weekend’s trip to defending champions ‘Belvo.
Speaking afterwards to the Irish Examiner, Cunningham said: “We've lost games by a score this season so we've earned what we earned today.
“We had a lot of young fellas on the field who hadn't had much senior rugby and it was tremendous for them. We struggled to get ball at times, but when we did get it, we played some pretty good stuff.
“All credit to the guys for holding out. Our defence was strong.”
Referee: David Wilkinson (IRFU)