Dolphin 25 Lansdowne 27, Musgrave Park
Munster duo Denis Hurley and Sean Dougall were unable to inspire Dolphin to victory as Division 1A leaders Lansdowne took the spoils at Musgrave Park.
Out-half Craig Ronaldson was the driving force for the visitors, kicking 17 points in total as they moved seven points clear at the top of the table.
Lansdowne were able to take advantage of second-placed Garryowen’s home defeat to Cork Constitution, despite a gutsy effort from Dolphin.
The Cork outfit led 17-15 at half-time, mainly thanks to Harry Fleming’s converted try on the half hour and a 34th minute penalty from Barry Keeshan.
The lead changed hands early on as a Ronaldson penalty was cancelled out by a James Kieran try which Keeshan converted.
But the headquarters club were devastating at times on turnover ball, breaking through for two tries in the space of four minutes.
Full-back and captain Ross McCarron ran onto a kick ahead to claim the first. Ronaldson converted and then Connacht centre Kyle Tonetti’s mazy run resulted in a swift second try.
But Fleming’s score and that penalty from Keeshan, awarded for a fourth scrum penalty against Lansdowne, gave Dolphin a 17-15 advantage at the interval.
Ronaldson’s boot edged his side back in front though. He cleared the crossbar from 50 metres and followed up with a surefooted 35-metre kick for a 21-17 scoreline.
The influential out-half added two more penalty goals approaching the 70-minute mark.
His opposite number Keeshan had the gap down to seven points again. Tighthead prop James Cronin raised hopes of Dolphin getting back on terms but the conversion was missed as Lansdowne held on by a slim margin.
Scorers:
Dolphin: Tries: James Kiernan, Harry Fleming, James Cronin; Cons: Barry Keeshan 2; Pens: Barry Keeshan 2
Lansdowne: Tries: Ross McCarron, Kyle Tonetti; Con: Craig Ronaldson; Pens: Craig Ronaldson 5