ST MARY’S College find themselves in second spot in Division 1A, a point behind new leaders Clontarf following a 12-8 away defeat by Dolphin.
Quite clearly, Dolphin are a force to be reckoned with on their home ground as they have now beaten all of the top-three sides at Musgrave Park recently. So, St Mary’s knew they had a game on their hands if they were to extend their eight-match winning streak.
Once again, the good work of their pack and outstanding goalkicking from outhalf Barry Keeshan laid the foundation for Dolphin’s victory. Keeshan was responsible for all of the points, with three penalties and a drop goal. St Mary’s had to settle for a try from centre Mark Sexton and penalty by wing Ray Crotty.
Still, they remain very much in the running for the title, as do Young Munster, who are just a further point behind in third spot following Friday night’s 23-20 success over Shannon.
Cork Constitution are in fourth, a further six points back, after demolishing Blackrock College 43-6 at Temple Hill. They only led 7-6 at the interval but ran riot in the second half with centres Scott Deasy and Ivan Dineen securing two tries each.
Garryowen were another side to pick up a bonus point when they scored five tries in their impressive 38-11 win over an injury hit Lansdowne outfit at Dooradoyle.
Lansdowne drop to sixth spot after a third successive defeat, just a point ahead of Garryowen who have a game in hand.
Belfast Harlequins demolished Dungannon 44-17 at Stevenson Park to stay on top of Division 1B. The match was expected to be close but the Belfast Harlequins pack laid the foundations for a bonus-point success.
The scored six tries in all with their man of the match Neil McComb getting two of them. The defeat may well have ended Dungannon’s promotion hopes as they have dropped to sixth, some nine points behind Belfast Harlequins.
Ballymena remain second, a point behind the leaders, after beating Galwegians 27-22.
Buccaneers are third, four points further back after a disappointing 15-9 home defeat at the hands of UL Bohemians side.
There biggest shock of the day, however, came at the Mardyke where bottom of the table UCC came from behind to upset title contenders Ballynahinch 13-12.
