Dolphin 38 Midleton 14

IT was a satisfactory day at the office as far as Dolphin were concerned, as they deservedly came out on top against Midleton at Musgrave Park on a sunny Saturday afternoon in the opening game of the Energia Community Series Munster Conference Two league.

This was a great result and performance from Dolphin and they will hope it is the launchpad for a big season ahead.

Midleton showed glimpses of their potentialbut they will also hope to see further improvements over the coming weeks and months.

Dolphin, who have brought in former Munster prop Brian Scott as their forwards coach, began with intent and they were on the scoreboard inside the opening quarter of an hour.

Following some sheer determination and quick thinking, Dolphin got the opening try courtesy of Conor Flanagan. The conversion was subsequently kicked over by Daryl Foley.

Things were to improve further for the home side shortly afterwards.

After Dolphin showed sheer persistence in the corner, Craig O’Connell powered his way over to leave the hosts in a strong early position.

Midleton were trying to find a way back into the contest, but they were met by a solid and firm Dolphin rear-guard.

It was to be the home team that were to get a third try of the contest before the half-time break.

Finn Carey went on a dashing run towards the corner, racing over with no Midleton man able to stop him.

The conversion was kicked over by Foley and Dolphin held the advantage, 19-0, at half-time.

Midleton began the second half with some intent and they were to reduce the deficit courtesy of a try from Stuart Lee. Dolphin got back into their groove and got another try when O’Connell showed great upper body strength to power over the line.

The visitors could not be faulted for lack of effort and they got over the line for a try again through a Rob Williams.

That was as close as Midleton would ultimately get to their hosts in the latter stages of the contest.

Following a pattern similar to the start, Dolphin ended this game strongly and they got two late tries to cap off a very productive afternoon.

First of all, Tim Phelan showed great awareness to run into space and touch down. Foley kicked another conversion a brilliant long-range effort from an awkward angle.

Andrew Dorgan showed great agility to break away and get the final Dolphin try with time almost up.

Scorers for Dolphin: Tries: C O’Connell (2), C Flanagan, F Carey, T Phelan, A Dorgan (1 each). Cons: D Foley (x3).

Midleton: Tries: S Lee, R Williams (1 each). Cons: S Lee (2).

DOLPHIN: R Reardon; T Phelan, F Carey, C O’Connell, T Marron, C Flanagan, D Foley; C Scott, P Dowling, D Jennings, B O’Mahony, D O’Mahony, A McAuliffe, K Allen, C O’Herlihy.

Subs: J Leahy, C Lau, D Keogh, A Dorgan, A Molloy.

MIDLETON: D Murray; F Baily, J Power, C Evans, R Hogan, S Lee, W Casey; M Corby, B Moore, F O’Connell, K O’Connell, L Obersby, R England, N Daly, C Murphy.

Subs: G McIntyre, D O’Reilly, S O’Leary, R Hickey, R Williams.

Referee: Paudie Sheehan (MAR).