The chance to play 2B rugby next season will be between Dolphin and Galwegians as both recorded wins in this weekend’s play-off semi-finals. Dolphin looking to preserve their 2B status looked impressive against Enniscorthy, while Galwegians who went down last season also produced some champagne rugby defeating Bruff.
Dolphin (6T) 42-20 Enniscorthy (3T), Virgin Media Park
Dolphin are 80 minutes away from preserving their 2B status as they overcame Enniscorthy in the semi-final and will meet Galwegians in the decider.
It however was all Enniscorthy in the early exchanges. Nick Doyle and Ben Kidd crossed for tries with Kidd converting the latter and slotting a penalty for a 15-0 lead. Dolphin replied as Craig O’Connell crossed the whitewash and Daryl Foley converted.
Kevin O’Connor soon added a second try for Scorthy, this one again unconverted. Dolphin ended the half in strong fashion, after several penalties in succession Scorthy were shown yellow and Cam O’Shaughnessy went over soon after for a try, Foley converting for a 20-14 deficit at the break.
Whatever was said at the break worked for Dolphin. They kept Enniscorthy scoreless in the second half while the hosts added four tries to take the spoils.
O’Shaughnessy added his second to kick start the second half as Foley converted for a one point lead. Sam Boyle added the fourth and another Foley conversion put Dolphin eight clear. A penalty try further increased the hosts lead before Richie Heaslip crossed the whitewash for their sixth try to cap off the performance, Foley six from six from the tee.
Galwegians (5T) 40-17 Bruff (2T), Crowley Park
Galwegians booked their spot in the 2B/2C Play-Off Final with a strong second half performance seeing them past Bruff.
Paul Collins kicked Bruff into an early lead but that lead was short lived as Josh Munn crossed for the opening try for Galwegians. Tiernan Neville missed the conversion but soon added a penalty to further the hosts lead.
Bruff replied with their opening try, Ethan Anderson going over and Collins slotted the extras from the touchline for a 10-8 lead. Neville added a second penalty after the half hour mark for a one point lead, minutes later a dominant lineout maul saw Ryan Smith over for their second try, the conversion missed, the lead at the break 16-10.
Into the second half and Neville slotted his third penalty to push Wegians further ahead, two quick Shane Mallon tries prior to the hour mark converted by Neville had Galwegians 23 points clear 33-10. Darragh Kennedy crossed for the hosts fifth try after the hour mark as Neville slotted another conversion.
Bruff added a late consolation try as Andrew O’Byrne crossed in injury time with Collins converting.
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.